Welsh Slate supplying armour-stone for local sea-defence project
Granite from Ffestiniog Quarry in North Wales helping to bolster sea defences at Kinmel Bay
GRANITE from Welsh Slate’s historic Ffestiniog Quarry in North Wales is helping to bolster vital sea defences at Kinmel Bay some 40 miles away. Around 2,000 tonnes of armour-stone are being hauled every week for Conwy County Borough Council’s £13 million redevelopment of the vulnerable site.
Work includes strengthening of the current revetment between Towyn and Kinmel Bay with a total of 80,000 tonnes of armour-stone, sourced from a variety of local quarries, raising 2km of sea wall by up to 750mm and replacing two floodgates, to safeguard the local community and infrastructure from the impact of stormy weather and associated coastal flooding.
In addition to the mitigation work, the seafront will be enhanced with improved beach access, car park upgrades, and the installation of a toilet block and street furniture.
Welsh Slate, part of the Breedon Group, are supplying local civil engineers Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK with more than 50,000 tonnes of granite armour-stone from Ffestiniog, with each individual piece weighing from three to six tonnes. Work started in September 2024 and is due to complete in winter 2025/2026.
Welsh Slate, the leading UK manufacturers of roofing slates and architectural products, alongside minerals and aggregates, had stock of up to 25,000 tonnes, sourced from a granite seam in the quarry, and with an additional pull of 1,000 tonnes a week, have been able to supply 15,400 tonnes to date.
Welsh Slate works manager Robin Evans said: ‘This contract has required a lot of pre-planning and investment, including a new drill rig, but it has been good to see the quarry involved in this vital cause.
‘The demand for our rock armour is huge and we are fortunate that it is produced as a by-product of our other operations. Nevertheless, our quality-control processes ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and performance.’
He added: ‘As well as reinforcing the coastal defences, this project underlines our commitment to sustainable sourcing and local economic development.’
Work on the sea defences is due to continue until spring 2025 when the project will stand down for the summer tourist season to reduce vehicle movements during the school holidays.
