Wednesday 15 January 2014
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press enquiry:
Would it be possible to get a comment from Environment regarding the cost to fix the damages caused to Guernsey's coastline following the storm.
The department had previously said the costs stood at between £10,000 to £15,000. However, Channel TV are today running a piece claiming that the repair costs stand at £40,000.
Could Environment confirm how much it will cost to repair the damage?
Could this figure continue to change?
What exactly does that cost include - could we have a breakdown please.
When does the department expect the repairs to start and finish? Will the damage be prioritised?
Any other comments.
Environment Department Response:
Following the storms earlier in the year a number of the defences, piers, slipways and steps around Guernsey's coastline sustained damage.
The Environment Department provided an early estimate of the repair costs based on the known damage immediately following the storm. However, over the last week, further works have been identified, costed and prioritised. The current estimated cost of works is £40,000. This is based on the works already completed or in progress and the estimated costs of those that are pending. This estimate does not include the damage sustained in Herm, which is being assessed this week. It also excludes the longer term decision on the wall at Fermain, which has been protected using gabions. Options for Fermain will need to be considered by the Department over the coming months.
The areas most affected have been:
- Fermain wall undermined and minor damage to slipway
(temporary repair to protect wall completed. Longer term options to be considered) - Perelle minor damage to coastal wall
(programmed in before the end of January) - Portelet damage to pier, base of slipway and open joints on vertical face
(slipway and wall repair commenced. Pier to be inspected on next spring tide) - Saints slipway undermined and masonry repair to end of harbour
(works to commence shortly) - Cobo minor damage to coastal wall
(works commenced w/c 13th January 2014) - Vazon minor damage to coastal wall
(works completed) - Rocquaine minor damage to coastal wall
(firm costs and availability of contractors being sought) - Catioroc minor damage to coastal wall
(programmed in before the end of January) - Herm damage to the Harbour and Rosaire
(currently being assessed).
Various areas of rock armouring at Portelet, Pequeries and La Miellette also require re-profiling.
The Department, with the assistance of engineers from States Property Services, has an on-going monitoring, maintenance and repair programme for Coastal Defences Repairs and so further works, not necessarily associated with the storm, will continue to be identified and prioritised alongside those detailed above. Therefore, at this stage, it is not possible to confirm exactly when the above works will be completed.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
