To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of current sea defences in Portstewart; and (ii) to detail plans she has to improve these.

My Department has developed the 2nd Cycle Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) 2021 -2027 which has highlighted the most significant areas of risk in Northern Ireland from rivers, the sea and surface water. The FRMP also sets out how the relevant authorities will work together and with communities to manage flood risks. My officials have worked with partner organisations to develop a coastal flooding emergency response plan to detail the arrangements for a co-ordinated multi-agency emergency response to coastal flooding in Northern Ireland.

Portstewart has not been identified, through that work, as an area of potentially significant flood risk. The retaining wall at the promenade in Portstewart is maintained by my Department and was recently inspected by my officials and found to be in good condition. I have asked officials to keep this wall under observation.