Monitoring and Management of the Northern Ireland Sea Defences using a Risk Based Apppoach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper describes the development of a monitoring and management system for designated sea defences in Northern Ireland, which are managed by the Rivers Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The system developed was termed a “Management Response System” and includes a comprehensive monitoring regime combined with proposals for assessing the condition and performance of the sea defences. The designated sea defences are at various locations in Lough Foyle, Belfast Lough, Strangford Lough, and at Killough, on the Irish Sea coastline. These defences protect extensive areas of low lying agricultural land, residential properties, and other various assets such as airports, the Belfast to Londonderry railway line and an army base. The study indicated that a breach of these sea defences would cause extensive flooding. The long-term objective of Rivers Agency is to monitor, maintain, upgrade, and strengthen their sea defences. The development of this monitoring and management sy...