Work is under way to make safe a set of dangerous steps leading from Douglas Promenade onto the beach.
 
Progressive storm damage had broken away parts of the structure, some of which was hanging loose.
 
While there was no immediate risk to the integrity of the sea wall, the attached photographs show the large voids and instability of the facing blocks. The current work will prevent an uncontrolled failure of the structure during the winter months and remove the possibility of falling masonry injuring someone.
 
The Department of Infrastructure has appointed sub-contractors P. Carey and Sons to remove the dangerous steps, concrete facing blocks and parapet wall in the area opposite Falcon Apartments and the Quids Inn public house.
 
The core of the steps will remain and temporary concrete used to provide short-term protection to the structure and the sea wall. Access to the foreshore from these steps will not be possible following the completion of the work.
 
However, the Department intends to reconstruct the steps as part of a package of minor repairs and remedial works along the entire promenade when funding is available, possibly during the 2016/17 financial year.