Gildernew visits innovative rivers project at Kilnatierney

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has today visited a pioneering sea defence project at Kilnatierney, Newtownards.

The works which were carried out by Rivers Agency, consisted of lowering two short sections of the sea defence to allow high tide water flow through the land between the current defence and the Portaferry Road. This is the first case of 'managed retreat' carried out by the Agency.

During a tour of the site, the Minister said: “From today’s visit, the benefits of innovative thinking and multi-agency co-operation are very clear and I wish to congratulate Rivers Agency and the National Trust on their success with this project. This project is the first example of 'managed retreat' carried out by Rivers Agency. I am always very enthusiastic about the use of less conventional options in the area of watercourse maintenance and flood defence “

The Minister continued: “These works are also a great example of how ‘joined up’ Government works in practice. Rivers Agency along with the National Trust, NIEA, and Roads Service are to be applauded for their united efforts at Kilnatierney. The completed works have created biodiversity opportunities through habitat creation and extension. The improvements will also result in cost savings for the Agency and were carried out causing minimal environmental disturbance”.

David Thompson, Strangford Lough Property Manager for the National Trust, said the project would really benefit biodiversity, and would enhance the work already undertaken to transform the area into a haven for wildlife. He welcomed the opportunity for the conservation charity to work in partnership with the government agencies on this project.

Notes to editors:

1. Kilnatierney dyke is a 550m long sea defence opposite Mount Stewart on the eastern shore of Strangford Lough in Co Down The defence is currently designated for maintenance by Rivers Agency and protects an area of approximately 15 hectares, which is owned by the National Trust. The dyke sits within a multi-designated site under both National and European environmental legislation, and as such, any works are subject to stringent environmental assessment.

2. The project, put together by Rivers Agency and the National Trust, aims to create the first area of ‘managed retreat’ in the north of Ireland. The proposal is to lower two short sections of the sea defence, to allow high tide inundation of the land between the current defence and the Portaferry Road. Managed retreat will be achieved by “puncturing” the designated sea defence to allow tidal inundation of the defended land at the upper part of the tidal cycle. If successful, the sea defence will be de-designated by Rivers Agency 12 months after the works.

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