Killyleagh, County Down – A 30-metre stretch of seawall on Seaside Road remains unrepaired nearly four months after it was destroyed by Storm Bram, and a lack of identified ownership is preventing any work from taking place.

The wall was damaged in December 2025 when wave action broke through both the seawall and a large part of the road surface. The affected section lies on the privately owned portion of Seaside Road, a 300-metre route that serves five properties, including the vacant Killyleagh Presbyterian Manse. The first 200 metres of the road are in public ownership.

Rowallane DUP councillor Callum Bowsie said he has been unable to trace the owner. The Land Registry records the land as unregistered, and every statutory agency and possible landowner he has approached has denied ownership.

Mr Bowsie stated that the damaged area poses a risk to pedestrians and vehicles because it lacks signs, lighting or any temporary barrier. The unsecured drop from the road onto the rocks of Strangford Lough remains open.

He added that he had raised the matter with the Department for Infrastructure and Newry, Mourne and Down Council regarding their public safety responsibilities, but had not received a response. He argued that the council should step in and take responsibility for the dangerous structure to ensure public safety.

The Department for Infrastructure and Newry, Mourne and Down Council were contacted for comment but had not replied at the time of going to press.