Work is continuing on the Mourne Wall Restoration project in Co Down.

A total of 40 bags containing capping stones, weighing just under a tonne each, were airlifted to Slieve Commedagh, Slieve Donard and Slieve Bearnagh at the weekend.

The delivery adds to the 44 bags previously lifted onto Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Corragh and Slieve Commedagh in November 2017.

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The capping stones will enable the contractor to complete and fully stabilise sections of the Mourne Wall that have already been repaired.

Approximately 9km of wall on over half of the 15 peaks has been restored using the indigenous stone lying locally to the structure.

Restoration work has now moved to the lower sections of wall around Annalong Wood. NI Water anticipates these low altitude areas will be completed before the end of March, with future helicopter lifting for further capping stone work and erosion repair scheduled for early summer.

The main contractor working on the project is GEDA Construction and sub-contractor Thomas Rooney & Sons.

(CD/LM)