Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has moved a step closer to securing a six-figure investment to repair Portballintrae Harbour slipway, with Elected Members approving the project for Stage 3 of the Capital Programme. The scheme, valued at £124,711 plus VAT with a 15% contingency, awaits final Council ratification before local contractor CivCo Ltd can commence works next month.
The approval paves the way for essential repairs to the busy coastal infrastructure used by fishermen, boat owners and visitors to the County Antrim village. If fully ratified, works are scheduled to begin in March 2026 and be completed by the start of the summer season.
Council Leadership Welcomes Investment
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, emphasised the importance of the slipway to daily harbour operations and the local economy.
Mayor McMullan said: “The harbour slipway plays a vital role in daily harbour operations and is well used by fishermen, boat owners and visitors alike.
“These essential repairs will help ensure the slipway remains safe, functional and fit for purpose for years to come, protecting an important local asset at the heart of the village.”
Project Facts and Timeline
- Investment: £124,711 plus VAT, with a 15% contingency provision
- Contractor: CivCo Ltd, a civil engineering firm based in the Garvagh area of Coleraine
- Procurement stage: Stage 3 of the Council’s Capital Programme Gateway
- Planned start: March 2026 (pending full Council ratification)
- Target completion: Start of summer 2026
- Location: Portballintrae Harbour, Beach Road, County Antrim
Scope of Works
While the Council’s announcement focused on funding approval, planning documents reveal the technical complexity of the repairs. According to an Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan prepared for the Council, the works involve cutting away damaged concrete sections, drilling, possible surface-level rock breaking, and replacement of damaged parts to restore structural integrity.
The document outlines pollution prevention measures to protect water quality during construction, including protocols for managing surface water and groundwater receptors near the harbour. The plan also details waste management procedures and noise controls intended to minimise disruption to the coastal environment.
Unanswered Questions
The Council’s press release leaves several practical considerations unclear. It does not specify how long the slipway will be closed to harbour users during construction, nor whether temporary access arrangements will be available for emergency services or essential fishing operations. The exact duration of the works remains unspecified beyond the “start of summer” completion target.
Additionally, while the 15% contingency is noted, the basis for this risk allowance—whether driven by historical cost overruns in marine environments or standard procurement practice—is not explained. The announcement also omits detail on how users will be notified of access restrictions once work begins.
Local Contractor’s Track Record
CivCo Ltd, the firm selected for the works, has secured several significant public contracts across Northern Ireland recently. The Maghera-based company is currently undertaking a £1.65 million refurbishment of the Cutts Control Structure on the Lower River Bann for the Department for Infrastructure, and has previously delivered the Maghera Public Realm Scheme and an £88,466 pocket park project in Armagh City.
Questions for Stakeholders
- How long will the slipway be completely closed to fishermen and boat owners, and what notice period will be given for essential maintenance windows?
- What specific environmental safeguards will be enforced during the drilling and concrete breaking works to protect marine life and water quality?
- Does the 15% contingency reflect identified risks in the slipway’s condition, or is it a standard provision for Council capital projects?
- Will alternative launching facilities be signposted for harbour users during the closure period?
- How will the Council measure the long-term success of these repairs in terms of reduced maintenance costs and safety incident reduction?
The project now awaits final ratification at full Council. Residents and harbour users should monitor Council communications for specific closure dates and access restrictions once CivCo Ltd mobilises on site in March.