Options for improving defences against harbour flooding and coastal overtopping are contained in a newly-published report.

Its findings will be presented to members of Tynwald and local communities invited to play a key role in the decision making process.

The options under scrutiny include raised harbour walls, set back walls to prevent water reaching roads and properties, tidal gates, rock armour and replenishing sand at specific beach sites. The cost of implementing all the preferred options totals nearly ?32 million.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said: 'This is a technical study to allow the department to make an informed decision about whether investment in coastal and harbour defences can be justified and which option represents the best solution.

'Our current thinking is to improve the protection of vulnerable locations and try to reduce the economic and social impact of flooding, but first we want to hear the views of people living in those areas. Communities may decide they are prepared to deal with
the effects of extreme weather events once every few years, rather than see their harbour walls raised or rock armour introduced into their bays.'

Mr Gawne said extreme weather was expected to become more commonplace in future, the effects of climate change.

He said: ‘We have 20,000 sandbags filled and ready to go, along with larger one-tonne bags and other specialist defences. While this provides a certain level of local protection, we are now looking at longer-term solutions that will be resistant to the impacts of climate change for the next 100 years.'


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