Coast Road ‘safe’ after Glenarm landslide, says DRD

The incident, which occurred on August 24 at Straidkilly outside Glenarm, saw the wall collapse in front of a Northern Trust bus transporting passengers to Gloucester Park Day Centre.

One passenger reported a minor injury, while the bus sustained a ‘buckled’ wheel rim.

The DRD has revealed that the wall which collapsed was constructed a month ago and was part of a DRD sea defence project costing an estimated £100,000.

A spokesperson stated: “TransportNI have been monitoring this area for some time as there has been a history of local landslides in the area as a result of heavy rain, which has previously destabilised the embankment at this location.

“The most recent incident occurred on Monday 24 August following a weekend of heavy rainfall.

“The wall along this stretch of road consists of two layers, an outside layer that collapsed due to overspill from a minor landslide and an inner structural reinforced concrete retaining wall which remains in place and fully intact.

“The outer layer was constructed one month ago for aesthetic purposes as a facing to the inner structural layer which was constructed in 2014 to prevent large boulders or rocks falling unto the road.

“On becoming aware of the rock fall incident on Monday 24 August, a TransportNI contractor engaged in sea defence works further along the coast immediately dispatched equipment to remove the material from the road.

“TransportNI are currently assessing what further works are necessary at this location.

“The road is safe and the area will continue to be monitored by TransportNI.”