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3.11 Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of the Minister for Economic Development regarding the deterioration of St. Catherine's breakwater:
Would the Minister explain why the St. Catherine's breakwater has deteriorated to its present condition?
Deputy A.J.H. Maclean (Assistant Minister for Economic Development - rapporteur):
Deputy Baudains is absolutely right to be concerned about the condition of St. Catherine's breakwater; it is an important part of Jersey's rich maritime history. But the suggestion that it has been allowed to deteriorate through choice or lack of regard is untrue. In 1885 one of the original engineers warned that the immense power of the continuous pounding by the sea could damage the inner core. During the last 30 years it has been regularly inspected and repaired. In 1998 an army dive team co-ordinated an extensive repair with 5 cubic metres of concrete poured into the core as well as further repairs to the roundhead. In autumn of 2003 there was an unusually severe storm which caused further damage. This lead to the appointment of specialist engineers who carried out detailed surveys throughout 2004 which included radar surveillance of the inner core. This was made possible through specialist new equipment. Based upon the conclusions of this detailed report, it was decided that a full restoration strategy should be prepared rather than continuing with ad hoc repairs, results from which are neither long-term nor especially cost effective. With more than 150 years of history, St. Catherine's breakwater is an important part of Jersey's heritage. In my opinion, we have a clear duty to protect and preserve it for future generations. The intended restoration programme should ensure this aim is achieved.
- The Deputy of St. Martin :
I will not ask if they are going to sell off that part of St. Catherine's - maybe demolish it and build something else - but I will ask: it has been reported that large boulders may well be removed from the Archirondel end of that breakwater to be put on to the breakwater at St. Catherine's for reinforcement. Is the Minister in a position to confirm that? If he is in a position to confirm it, would he not say that it would be a retrograde step for the Archirondel end?
Deputy A.J.H. Maclean:
It has been considered for the simple reason that the size of the boulders in the roundhead at St. Catherine's breakwater are of immense size. The most cost effective route would be in fact to use the Archirondel end stones; they match in size and design and shape and so it has been given serious consideration as part of the process.
- Deputy G.C.L. Baudains:
Could I just have clarification on that last reply of the Assistant Minister, that in fact the stones possibly to be taken from the Archirondel end would be stones purely for replacement of missing stones from the end of the breakwater and not a lot of stones to create the rock armour, which has been suggested?
Deputy A.J.H. MacLean: That is absolutely correct.