By Violet Brown
A REVIEW is to be carried out into how storms and coastal change are affecting Donaghadee harbour and seafront in the wake of a major community report.
Two weeks ago a report by Donaghadee Community Development Association and Donaghadee Sailing Club argued that storms and tidal surges were damaging the harbour and seafront and argued for a new breakwater close to the mouth of the harbour.
The report was discussed at a meeting of Ards and North Down Council’s Environment Committee recently when council officers were asked to work with local groups to compile a feasibility study with options, costs and possible funding streams for improvements to the harbour area.
Raising the issue councillor Gillian McCollum said the battlecry – the historic harbour was under threat – was coming from Donaghadee residents.
“They have been living with the worrying and sometimes quite terrifying impact of rising sea levels for many years now,” she said.
The Alliance councillor said Donaghadee was the fastest growing town in the borough, with this iconic harbour at its heart. “The importance of the harbour’s valuable heritage is confirmed by its listed status,” she said.
“Donaghadee residents enjoy an idyllic coastal lifestyle with sailing, award winning restaurants, artisan cafes, historic pubs and many beautiful parks,” Ms McCollum continued. “The success of the drama series Hope Street filmed throughout the town has only added to its attraction”.
But she warned that the picture perfect seafront is under threat due to rising sea levels and storm surges caused by climate change.
“Peer reviewed research and scientific evidence demonstrates quite compellingly the risks to life and property posed in times of high tides occurring alongside storms,” Ms McCollum said.
“On a regular basis waves crash over the lighthouse, harbour and the sea wall leaving vessels sunk or irreparably damaged”.
During Storm Barra in 2021 the force of the waves breaching the seawall was sufficient to move large planters, council bins and cars and significant damage was caused to businesses and homes in the area, she continued.
“One elderly resident living on the Parade sustained life-changing injuries when a wave smashed open her front door and knocked her to the ground.”
The councillor said without action the forecast for the harbour area is continued deterioration.
Because of the risks from storms and tidal surges many boat owners and visiting yachtsmen are avoiding the village, which has a knock-on effect on the economy of the town.
“Donaghadee harbour is viewed in the sailing community as lacking the very basic amenities which would make it fit for purpose,” Ms McCollum said.
“The lack of berthing facilities in the harbour has led to a steady bleed away of the community’s own sailors to nearby harbours where their vessels can be more safely moored, and the town is missing out on that vital boost visitors bring not only in terms of revenue in berthing fees but in those knock on benefits visitors bring to Donaghadee’s economy”.
Previous studies, she said, had proposed the construction of an outer breakwater to solve the problems caused by wave penetration and render the harbour fit for purpose. This, Ms McCollum acknowledged was a long-term project, but felt that things could be done immediately to render the harbour accessible including restored signs, ladders, fenders and pontoons which she said would put Donaghadee back on the map for visiting boats.
Supporting this proposal, councillor Hannah Irwin said there was clear evidence why this work should be undertaken.
She said a breakwater would reduce the height and strength of waves in Donaghadee harbour and reduce the vulnerability of the town and its coastal protections which were constantly under attack.
