AQW 40159/22-27

Mr Peter Martin
Democratic Unionist Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 09/02/2026
Answered On Date: 04/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps the Coastal Forum is taking to strengthen coastal defenses, against inclement weather and coastal erosion.

Answer:

The Coastal Forum’s aim is to work in partnership to progress costal management issues within the existing policy and legislation framework. Work to date has focused on gathering scientific data to create the baseline required to measure any future coastal changes

Following the last meeting of the Coastal forum in November, the Costal Forum Working Group is currently in the process of making recommendations for a 2026-2032 work programme.

DfI’s current responsibilities in relation to costal management are limited to maintenance of 110 km of defences for coastal roads, 26 km of coastal sea defences, two tidal barriers and approximately 34 km of sea defences for the railway network. Repairs are carried out as required.

I have also been advised by Translink that the maintenance of sea defences around the railway network is carried out proactively on through annual inspection and repair programmes and supplemented by pre- and post-storm event inspections to maintain a resilient and high performing railway.