Coleraine, 27 August 2026 – Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has visited Coleraine Harbour to mark the successful completion of the £1.2 million restoration of the historic Barmouth Moles and to meet with Coleraine Harbour Commissioners to discuss the future development of the Harbour.
Funded by the Department for Infrastructure, the Barmouth Moles project represents a major investment in the long-term resilience of the entrance to the River Bann. The works were successfully completed on time and within budget, securing vital infrastructure which supports safe navigation while helping to protect the surrounding coastline from tidal erosion and increasingly severe weather conditions.
During her visit, Minister Kimmins viewed the completed works and met representatives of Coleraine Harbour Commissioners and members of the professional team responsible for delivering the project.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss their wider ambitions for Coleraine Harbour and the important role the Harbour can play in supporting economic development, tourism, marine recreation and regeneration across the North Coast.
Robert Skelly, Chair of Coleraine Harbour Commissioners, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Minister Kimmins to Coleraine and to have the opportunity to show her the completed Barmouth Moles project.
“This was a significant and technically challenging marine engineering project, and its successful completion on time and within budget is a credit to everyone involved.
“We are particularly grateful to the Minister and the Department for Infrastructure for recognising the importance of the Barmouth Moles and providing the £1.2 million investment required to secure this vital infrastructure for future generations.
“The project demonstrates what can be achieved through a strong working relationship between the Department and the Harbour Commissioners. We now want to build upon that relationship as we look towards the next chapter in the development of Coleraine Harbour.
“Coleraine has enormous potential as a harbour, a destination and an economic asset for the wider North Coast. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister and her Department as we seek to realise that potential.”
The restoration was delivered by a team of professional advisers and specialist marine contractors working in a challenging coastal environment. The project has strengthened the historic structures and improved the long-term resilience of the River Bann entrance.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA said:
“These essential health and safety works have been taken forward as a priority due to the significant investment provided by my Department. Loss of rock armour over time increased the structural vulnerability which could have led to structural failure. Without intervention this could have resulted in impeded vessel access, increased erosion at key tourist beaches and elevated flood risks along the lower Bann.
“I am pleased that the works have been completed, which will help protect the surrounding environment and reduce the risk of tidal flooding for local communities, work which is also important for the development of the local economy and the future of Coleraine Harbour. I commend the Commissioners for taking forward this vital project as a matter of urgency and ensuring timely completion.”
The completion of the Barmouth Moles restoration forms part of Coleraine Harbour Commissioners’ wider programme to protect and modernise the Harbour’s infrastructure while creating new opportunities for economic development, tourism and marine recreation.
The Commissioners are currently developing proposals for the future of Coleraine Harbour, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Harbour can continue to serve the community while developing its potential as a significant maritime and leisure destination for Northern Ireland.