4th June, 2026

Runkerry Dune Restoration Project

The Runkerry Sand Dunes Restoration Project, completed in Autumn 2023, addressed serious erosion affecting an important coastal habitat and the adjacent shared use pathway between Portballintrae and the Giant’s Causeway.

Runkerry erosion before February 2023.

The dunes form part of a sensitive designated area along the boundary of the Runkerry ASSI and the Causeway and Skerries SAC and are subject to heavy year-round visitor pressure.

Runkerry pre-marram planting, November 2023.

A significant blowout had developed beside the seaward edge of the pathway, threatening its stability. To address this, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council adopted a soft engineering approach rather than hard structures such as concrete or sheet piling.

Runkerry infill and coir rolls, November 2023.

The scheme used biodegradable coconut coir rolls secured by wooden posts, sand infilling to rebuild the dune face, and marram grass transplanting to bind the sand.

Runkerry post-marram grass planting, November 2023.

Due to environmental designations, the sand was sourced from East Strand under NIEA ASSI assent and the marram transplanted from Runkerry Strand.

Runkerry signage.

Chestnut pale fencing was installed to protect the restored area from trampling, and information signs were erected to explain the works and encourage visitors to stay out while the dune vegetation becomes established, helping support the site’s long-term resilience.