Collapsing cliffs prompt pleas

Collapsing cliffs prompt pleas

14 August 2013

A BALLYHORNAN resident has written to two Stormont ministers expressing concern about recent landslides at one of the district’s main tourist routes.

Several sections of cliff face along the Killard Road collapsed recently and residents are concerned that further erosion could lead to the closure of one of the district’s main tourist routes.

They believe urgent work is needed to shore up the cliff face, warning that if money is not committed to rectify the problem, the busy tourist route may have to close on safety grounds.

Mrs. Jane Campbell, who lives at the Killard Road, has raised her concerns about landslides at the cliff face with former Environment Minister Alex Attwood and his Regional Development counterpart, Danny Kennedy.

Mrs. Campbell said she fears that the situation in Ballyhornan is likely to become more grave, endangering lives, homes and livelihoods.

In a letter to the two government ministers. Mrs. Campbell said land erosion at Ballyhornan is nothing new, explaining that over the past few years the situation has become more serious.

“It is likely to cause the closure of the road and the beach which would be a great shame as it is so beautiful,” her letter continues.

“As a local resident I am very much affected should the situation of shoring up this particular part of the coastline be delayed. It is imperative that the work that was started so very many years ago, be resumed and finished, in order that Ballyhornan can retain its most valuable asset — its beach.”

Describing Ballyhornan as a “deprived area,” Mrs. Campbell said the beach does attract visitors and tourists who create income for those still in business. She said it’s necessary to commence remedial works to the cliff above the beach

Councillor Dermot Curran raised his concerns about landslides at Ballyhornan with both Stormont ministers several weeks ago. He believes the frequency of the landslides appears to be increasing, suggesting wet weather is undermining what he described as a large and unstable land mass,

“People who live in Ballyhornan are concerned at what’s happening and recognise the need for something to be done quickly. Cars have been prohibited from parking along the edge of the main road. The landslide issue need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

Councillor Curran fears that if left unchecked, it won’t be long before the cliff face immediately adjacent to the Killard Road becomes very dangerous. He said everything possible must be done to prevent this from happening.

He added: “I believe it’s only a matter of time before the landslides reach the main road which poses all sorts of problems and could lead to what is a busy tourist route being closed. If left unchecked, continued erosion could mean the Roads Service would have no other option.”