Consultation

North Ayrshire Council would like to hear residents’ views on the future management of two beaches.

Studies have been carried out to examine various issues at Irvine Beach and Stevenston Beach, and drop-in public consultation sessions are taking place later this month Both studies looked at how the beach areas have already changed, and how they are likely to change in the future.

The studies were prompted by issues raised in the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan, which assesses risks associated with coastal processes. People walking through the dunes has also caused damage to vegetation and therefore allowed wind-blown sand erosion.

The Irvine shoreline has also seen significant change naturally and because of changes to how the harbour entrance has been managed. The dunes are eroding and, as the shoreline sets back further, the buried rock-filled gabion baskets are being exposed to high waves they are not designed to resist.

Climate change – especially rising sea levels – is increasing erosion and this means the way dunes, shoreside access for beach visitors and coastal defences are managed and used needs to change.

At Stevenston key topics will  include management of: the slipway; erosion to the colliery spoil headland; Stevenston Burn and the footbridge and biodiversity.

The Consultation Events will take place on the below dates:

Stevenston –  Wednesday 14 August 2024, Ardeer Youth and Community Centre.  This is  a drop-in session from 12 noon – 4.00 pm. 

Irvine –  Thursday 15 august 2024 , Harbour Arts Centre, again this is  a drop-in session taking place from 12 noon – 4.00 pm. 

If you would like to share your views and are unable to attend the Drop in Session in person, please complete the below Microsoft Forms:

Stevenston Survey – Stevenston Beach Coastal Study – Survey (office.com)

Irvine Survey – Irvine Beach Coastal Study – Survey (office.com)

Supporting Documents

• Irvine – Consultation Document 
• Irvine Overview Document 
• Stevenston –  Consultation Document 
• Stevenston – Overview Document