Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited Castlerock Pier to see the completion of health and safety upgrades to the Barmouth Moles. The Department has provided £1.2 million over two years to deliver the programme. The Moles serve as breakwaters, shielding the River Bann estuary and the nearby coastline.

Minister Kimmins 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."

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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."

Constructed in the 1880s to maintain navigability on the River Bann, the Barmouth and its stone-and-concrete Moles protect the point where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean.