Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed the visit to the Ards Peninsula Coastal Erosion Group by the Assembly Infrastructure Committee.
Kellie Armstrong said: “The impact of climate change, rising tides, lack of investment and lack of statutory responsibility has led to Peninsula roads being in need of urgent investment to prevent further chaos for commuters this winter.
“There have been serious impacts on roads in the area resulting from coastal erosion, including the collapse into the sea of the A20 along Strangford Lough. There have also been problems in Ballyhalbert and Ballywalter on the Irish Sea side of the Peninsula.
“As a member of the Infrastructure Committee, I had proposed that coastal erosion should be considered as part of our forward work plan and am pleased with this committee visit to the Ards Peninsula.
“One outstanding issue is the need for the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to clarify which Dept will take statutory responsibility for coastal erosion to ensure appropriate levels of investment in coastal defences and protections.”