Rock fall problems may date back to 1842

Roads Minister, Conor Murphy, joined Roads Service staff to assess the effects of natural erosion and the recent extreme weather on the world-famous coastal route last week.

A number of road closures have been reported in recent months due to damage caused to the rock faces, slopes and sea-defences due to erosion and extreme weather conditions, ranging from rock falls near Carnlough, land slips at the village of Glenarm and more recently the sea defences washed away at Ballygally.

The Minister commented on the work of Roads Service first hand as they attempt to keep the road open and safe.

"It is quite staggering to see the power of nature at work along this beautiful coastline and I commend the efforts of local Roads Service staff who check this road each day and instigate the necessary inspections and repairs to minimise disruption to the people living and visiting this area.

"Roads Service is currently engaging specialist engineering consultants to assess a number of areas of the road. A major project is underway to consider solutions to the ongoing problem of rock falls at Garron Point, an iconic headland just north of Carnlough village,” he said.

The rock face which extends to some 130 metres in height close to St MacNissis College is renowned for its white limestone layer overlaid by the black basalt common on this coastline.

Some of the current problems in maintaining this road find their roots in the techniques used when the road was constructed by the "Men of the Glynnes" in 1842. Crude blasting techniques coupled with natural weathering has fractured the limestone and basalts resulting in ravelling and rock falls.

Mr Murphy said: "A number of short and long term options will be considered by the Department in consultation with relevant statutory bodies, local councils and stakeholders. Roads Service is also working with Queen's University in a study of the active landslide area at Straidkilly, north of Glenarm village. It is hoped this project will help to identify how best to manage this area of land by the main Coast Road which is continually slipping and trying to make its way to the sea.

"My Department is committed to managing the Coast Road in a way sensitive to its role as the 'Gateway to the Glens and North Antrim Coast' in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty."