Work to repair the Ramsey sea wall damaged by storms at the beginning of last year will be completed this Friday 29 May 2015.

Unusually high tides, low atmospheric pressure and gale force winds combined to create storm surges that battered the Isle of Man in January and February 2014. Large waves breached coastal defences at many locations around the Island, with the sea wall in Ramsey suffering significant damage.

The scheme to reinstate the wall started on 2 March and has involved the construction of a 70-metre reinforced concrete barrier. The Department of Infrastructure has also replaced the concrete footway that had collapsed.

The scheme cost ?200,000 and supports the Department’s commitment to reducing the social and economic impact of coastal flooding in vulnerable towns and villages.

As part of its long-term strategy, the Department held a series of community meetings earlier this year to discuss options to combat the problems caused by severe weather. Further presentations are planned for July.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘Ramsey was one of the places that bore the brunt of the storms in 2014. The damaged sea wall has been repaired to a high standard and will play a part in protecting the town from the impacts of climate change for many years to come.’