MOD content public is safe from WW2 bombs

MOD content public is safe from WW2 bombs

20 April 2016

THE Ministry of Defence is insisting measures in place to deal with World War Two munitions washing up on the local shoreline are “appropriate for the preservation of public safety.”

The insistence by Defence Minister Mark Lancaster comes after concerns were raised by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie about the amount of munitions coming ashore over recent months at Murlough, Tyrella and Newcastle beaches.

Yesterday morning another WW2 mortar bomb was blown up by army bomb disposal experts after being found at the eastern end of Murlough beach by a walker. And on Thursday morning police and Newcastle Coastguard team were called out after a walker found what was initially thought was a WW2 bomb but which later turned out to be an engine part.

Miss Ritchie recently raised the issue with the Ministry of Defence via a Parliamentary Question, urging there is full disclosure regarding the location of the devices, an investigation if there are any more and assurances that all steps and measures will be taken to defuse them and ensure the safety of residents.

A number of mortars which have washed up on local beaches are believed to have come from a huge consignment of tens of thousands of tonnes of munitions which were dumped in a deep sea trench in the middle of the Irish Sea after the end of the second World War.

In his written response to Miss Ritchie, Mr Lancaster said the area around the most recent discovery of an old mortar at Murlough beach is close to the ranges at Ballykinlar camp which have been used by the armed forces since before the First World War.

Minister Lancaster said given the proximity of the ranges to the beaches which are open to the public, people’s health and safety is taken very seriously. 

His letter continues: “Ministry of Defence range areas are managed accordingly and appropriate signage is placed around the ranges highlighting the dangers to personnel and members of the public, which are appropriate to the weapons systems being used within those range danger areas.”

Minister Lancaster said the device found at Murlough beach last month was a high explosive ant-tank rocket of a type manufactured for the American Army, but later used by many allied forces, including UK armed forces, from the early 1950s through to the early 1970s.

He explained when historic munitions are found in public areas such as the Mournes or beaches, the PSNI or Coastguard will request the assistance of the local Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to investigate and, where appropriate, make safe or dispose of the item concerned.

“The issue of dealing with historic ordnance is a routine task for EOD teams throughout the UK,” the Minister’s letter continues. “Many coastal areas of the UK are susceptible to legacy munitions, particularly from the Second World War or fired from ranges for example, being discovered,” his letter continues.

Minister Lancaster said he understands the Coastguard and local constabularies routinely issue safety warnings to the public about the dangers of approaching or handling any items that may be ordnance washed up from the sea which includes maritime flares.

He added: “I believe the processes in place are appropriate for the preservation of public safety.”