A Ramsey commissioner has voiced strong reservations over newly submitted plans for flood defences along the town’s quayside, warning that feedback from previous engagement “has largely been set aside”.
Juan McGuinness said the Department of Infrastructure’s application for works along West Quay, East Quay and Derby Road bears a striking resemblance to a scheme rejected in 2021.
“Flood protection is necessary. Ramsey has experienced tidal issues for many years and doing nothing is not an option,” Mr McGuinness said.
“That said, supporting flood protection does not mean every element of this scheme should pass without scrutiny.
“It is also difficult to ignore how closely this proposal resembles the plans that were rejected in 2021.”
Balanced
Following that withdrawal, constructive engagement took place in 2022 involving local stakeholders. Mr McGuinness said the intention had been to find a balanced solution.
“On review of the current submission, it appears that many of those concerns have not been reflected in any meaningful way,” he said.
“Given the time and effort that went into that engagement, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that the feedback has largely been set aside rather than incorporated.”
Parking
The plans would reduce on-street parking from 104 spaces to 52 – a reduction of 50 spaces in a single area.
Mr McGuinness challenged the assumption that alternative parking elsewhere compensates for the loss.
“For older residents, those with mobility challenges, and people who rely on short and level access, proximity matters. Convenience influences whether people choose to come into town at all.
“Reducing parking in this location changes how the quayside functions. That should not be dismissed lightly.”
The Wall
The proposal includes a 1.3m high concrete flood wall along the harbour edge within a conservation area.
“A solid concrete structure at that scale will alter the openness of the quayside. For some people, particularly those seated or with limited mobility, it may interrupt views of the harbour altogether,” Mr McGuinness said.
“Flood protection can be delivered in different forms. Design choices matter, particularly in a location as sensitive as this.”
The scheme is estimated to take between 18 and 24 months to construct.
You can see the full application here.