Flood defence plans pose 'massive visual change'

Parts of West Quay are at risk of flooding during unusually high tides and during adverse weather

Fresh plans for flood defences in Ramsey will have a "massive visual change" for the area, a town commissioner has said.

The latest plans for the northern town's quayside, which the Department of Infrastructure (DOI)said were designed to "reduce flood risk and deliver a modern, resilient quayside", have been put on display.

Previous proposals for West Quay were rejected in 2021 for several reasons, with a loss of parking chief among them.

Urging residents to view the latest proposals, Ramsey Commissioner Juan McGuinness said the scheme would also still see "a huge loss of parking in the town centre".

But speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, McGuinness despite those fears, the town was one of the most "at risk areas for tidal floods" and "ensuring that our quayside and the properties around there are properly protected is important".

The plans will be on display at Ramsey Town Hall from midday until 28 November , available for viewing during the town hall's usual opening hours.

'Resilient quayside'

The DOI said the new proposals would "protect homes and businesses from tidal flooding" and introduced "upgrades designed to support and enhance harbour operations".

The plans would reconstruct West Quay and Derby Road's carriageway and footpaths "to create a safer, more attractive and accessible space", it said.

The scheme would also include new harbour and street lighting, and improvements to utility and telecommunication infrastructure.

"This project will safeguard Ramsey for the future, reduce flood risk and deliver a modern, resilient quayside that benefits harbour users, residents, visitors and the local economy," the DOI said.

McGuinness said the height of the wall proposed around the quayside and the "huge loss" of parking in the town centre were "two issues that the people of Ramsey really have to weigh up for the potential benefits of flood defences" he said.

The display of the plans in the town comes ahead of the submission of a formal planning application by the department.

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.