To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 14236/17-22, when legal action will be taken to ensure repair and maintenance of Kircubbin Harbour is completed.

Under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995, my Department has no power to take punitive action against someone who has allowed a monument in their ownership to decay. It has discretionary powers to intervene and carry out work itself ‘if it appears to the Department that any works are urgently necessary for the protection of a scheduled monument.’ (Article 7).

At present, my Department does not intend to take on this responsibility as we believe that working with the owner and other interested parties is more likely to enable a more sustainable future for the harbour. Our primary role in relation to any potential implementation of future work is therefore in an advice and regulatory capacity around informing and consenting conservation works there.

I have instructed my officials to make fresh contact with relevant groups and individuals to see what progress could be made.