Causeway Coast & Glens Council to proceed to next stage of replacing section of boardwalk at Benone

The project will see the replacement of the boardwalk Marram Way, which has been in place for around 35 years, as well as the repair of two other sections of boardwalk, with an estimated cost of £368,647.

In December, Council’s Leisure and Development Committee approved Stage 1 of the capital works process, which included scoping, a feasibility assessment, and an outline design for the repair.

At June’s committee meeting, a Council officer said that whilst the other two boardwalks known as Kestrel Way and Longboard Way remain in good condition with only certain key sections requiring replacement, the Marram walk needs to be replaced as it presents a health and safety issue in its current condition.

Members were presented with three options with officers recommending Option 2 – repairing the other two sections of boardwalk and replacing Marram Way, with larch as the preferred wood as it is a “durable and long-lasting wood with aesthetic appeal”.

Sinn Féin councillor Niamh Archibald proposed approval of Option 2 and said the work was “very important work for Benone Beach”.

UUP councillor Richard Holmes seconded the proposal and asked why larch had been highlighted instead of hardwood.

In response, an officer said that certain softwoods were as durable as all but the most expensive hardwoods, and larch was commonly used for outdoor environments due to its durability and “aesthetic value”.

They added: “For example, the art facility at Benone is clad in larch, because it lasts very well in that type of environment.”

The officer noted the cost estimate of £368,647 for Option 2 included provision for anti-slip material, at a cost of £177,000 or 48% of the total cost.

They said the cost will be considered during the procurement process, but it was the opinion of council’s Coast and Countryside Team it may not be necessary due its location.

“The existing scheme lasted 30-plus years [without] anti-slip so that’s a wee bit of an over design, but we will get it costed before we return to elected members for investment decision.”