Barriers on the council agenda

Councillors have been updated on various options when it comes to dealing with the long running issue of waves sweeping over the top of the second Churchill Barrier.

Members of the OIC development and infrastructure committee were updated on the situation this afternoon, when they received an in-depth report into various options and costs. It was also revealed that the council has spent just over £200,000 on barrier studies, out of a budget of £325,000.

Following a suggestion by the vice-convener, councillor Jim Foubister,  the committee agreed to give delegated powers to the executive director of development and infrastructure, in conjunction with the chair and vice-chair of the committee, and three local councillors, for the purchase or lease of a second hand concrete caisson, (a structure which can be floated into place and sunk).

This would be used for conducting trials in respect of wave overtopping at the number two barrier in the first instance. It could also be used for alternative port uses. There would also be exploration of other alternative low cost solutions to wave overtopping, including the use of decommissioned oil rigs parts.

The finer details of the recommendations from the D&I committee today, will  go forward to a future meeting of the OIC policy and resources committee.

Councillors also recommended that, prior to selecting a preferred option, the executive director of development and infrastructure, Gavin Barr, should investigate ‘developer interest’ in progressing a wave overtopping and tidal energy scheme at the second barrier, which could take the form of a bridge or a tidal barrage with bridge deck on top, as partial replacement for a section of the barrier.

This was after councillors heard estimations of the cost of such schemes  which ranged from £24 million to £100 million, compared to the refacing of the existing barrier which had the estimated price tag of £13 million.