Safety review of local harbours

Safety review of local harbours

19 February 2025

A MAJOR safety survey has been ordered at a number of local harbours.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is to appoint specialist engineering consultants to undertake the survey at Killough, Newcastle and Annalong harbours to identify defects and outline required repairs.

The consultants will initially focus their attention in Killyleagh after major questions were posed about the structural integrity of the quay area at the harbour amidst worrying reports about the safety of the structure.

The forensic examination of Killyleagh harbour will focus on the integrity of the walls, pillars, ironwork and other structural aspects.

Concern about the harbour was raised with Rowallane councillor Callum Bowsie — who has been asking for a structural examination to take place since June 2023 — after he was approached by members of the Killyleagh Dippers swimming group.

He has held a number of site meetings with local authority officials, concerned residents and Killyleagh Community Association representatives about the state of the quay. 

Cllr Bowsie said while steps at an area known locally as North Point and the top of the harbour wall have been repaired, major work in repairing and stabilising the quay wall remains outstanding.

He said what is particularly concerning is that parts of the harbour continues to “deteriorate at an alarming rate.”

Cllr Bowsie continued: “It is clear from a layman’s view that this quay needs urgent attention.

“There are large stones along the edge of the long eastern walkway which wobble as they are walked over. Handrails attached to these coping stones are being used to tie up boats which puts strain on the quay when there are mooring rings provided.”

Cllr Bowsie said there are also “gaping holes” on each side of the quay wall, some of which are the result of stones being deliberately kicked out of position and into the sea. 

“Past efforts have been made to retrieve these stones at low tide and them back into the quay wall, only for them to be dislodged again undermining the wall’s integrity each time.”

Cllr Bowsie revealed that following the site meeting he had with the local authority’s head of maintenance and placing subsequent pressure on council management, a consultant engineer has now been tasked with surveying Killyleagh harbour.

He confirmed that when the detailed piece of work is completed, a report will be brought back to the council’s Sustainability and Environment Committee which, he hopes, will approve any recommended works to be carried out.

Cllr Bowsie has also welcomed confirmation that surveys will also be carried out at Killough, Newcastle and Annalong.

He said the examination will ensure any minor issues such as cracks, spalling or joint failures are detected before they escalate into major, more expensive problems.

“For Killyleagh, this is likely to cost a considerable amount of money. However, the quay is of vital importance to the town and needs to be invested in to secure it.”

Cllr Bowsie said Killyleagh harbour was constructed by an order of Parliament in 1765 with the “charming quay” built and partly paid for by Sir John Blackwood, the 2nd Baronet of Killyleagh. 

He added: “As well as being of historical importance, the quay remains a popular walking route. The quay is now as busy as ever, with new groups such as Killyleagh Dippers also using it several times a week.

“Therefore, work should happen in a timely manner so disruption to the harbour is kept to a minimum. This work is necessary in order to restore this historic quay and make it safe to the public.”