Contractors are to begin works to strengthen coastal erosion defences at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The club's General Manager, John Lawler, confirmed that contractors are expected to take three weeks to complete the scheme which involves extending the rock armour by 20 metres on a stretch of the East Strand below the fifth green and six tee box.

Following discussions with officials of the Department of the Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs to secure a Marine Licence, the go-ahead has been given for the work to start on 12 February.

Public access to the White Rocks beach may be affected during the work, but Mr. Lawler assures minimal disruption. The site compound and a corridor onto the working area of the beach will be fenced off until the work is finished.

Mr Lawler said: "The erosion experienced at the back of this tee was of huge concern and presented a serious threat to this area of the course. This modest increase to the existing defences will provide a more robust defence from winter storms.

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"Our priority is to get this work done in a safe manner, and as efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to those who use the beach.

"The completed works will allow us all to breathe easier, particularly with the 2025 Open just around the corner. The potential for catastrophic damage to this area of the course, especially so close to the Open, does not bear thinking about."

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: "I am pleased that this crucial work is taking place to protect this highly treasured links course, which is one of the jewels in the Borough’s crown.

"It is vitally important that this improvement scheme is carried ahead of The Open next year. The significance of this much-anticipated tournament simply cannot be overstated, as it will bring huge economic benefits to the local area.

"Importantly, Council wishes to assure visitors that they will continue to have access to the beach, the toilets and the other car parks within the site throughout the duration of this work."

The North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said:

"Let’s be clear – without the defence work being carried out, the vital economic benefit that comes to Northern Ireland and the Coast as a result of golf tourism as an economic driver, would be lost.

"I congratulate all those who worked tirelessly to make this happen. Northern Ireland will be the better for it, and our coastal asset strengthened as a result."

Clyde Shanks, a planning consultant, who was involved in the process, said: "Securing planning permission has been an exacting process of environmental assessment to demonstrate that the additional rock armour protection will not cause harm to the wider coastline.

"It's essential to protect the links layout at its most breath taking location, and to do so in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner."