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But the Stormont department responsible said that due to the “challenging budgetary environment” it was unlikely to be able to fund a replacement “in the foreseeable future”.
The Belfast Telegraph reports that councillors were given an update on City Deal projects on Tuesday.
Plans include the ‘splitting’ of traffic between Strand Road and Queens Quay, comprising a two-lane, one-way system on each, with traffic flowing from the City Centre on lower Strand Road and towards it along Queens Quay.
Discussions with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) have continued in relation to the structure of Queens Quay and a council report said it is now apparent that this work will “not be taken forward” at this time as part of the City Deal Funded Programme of projects.
The report stated: “Although DfI is clear that at present no capital budget exists to progress these works, it is imperative that the design development is prioritised and subsequently capital funding for the replacement of Queens Quay identified and allocated in parallel with the development and delivery of the broader City Deal Riverfront/Strand Road regeneration proposals.
“This approach must be adopted in order to maximise opportunities and benefits and to avoid a sub-optional outcome or uncoordinated planning or delivery of this hugely important and vital City Centre/Riverfront project.”
A Queens Quay Structural Assessment completed in 2011 indicated the quay was not capable of sustaining traffic loading.
DfI said assumptions that formed the basis of this assessment were conservative in nature and further load tests were completed in 2012 and 2022.
A letter from DfI said: “Both load tests indicated that the structure has significant load capacity above that reported in the 2011 Assessment.
“However, due to the length and complexity of the structure along with the gradual deterioration of structural elements, the Department is progressing two strands of inspection and investigation to ensure the safety of users.
“Firstly, the Department is completing increased monitoring of the structure through six monthly regular visual inspections from specialist marine engineers.
“This inspection regime will continue until a more comprehensive structural assessment is available, at which point a review of the inspection suitability will be completed.
“Secondly, the Department has briefed our partner consultant to complete a full investigation and structural assessment of Queens Quay to establish a more accurate assessment of the structure’s strength.”
Two options are being considered – the need to repair existing structures or replacement of the whole quay.
The report recommended the replacement of the structure with a sheet piled combi-walled system as the most durable, economical, long term solution.
“Should the structural reassessment of the quay confirm its inadequacy and a review of the feasibility study confirm replacement of the quay as the most appropriate solution then the Department will consider where the replacement sits within our major works programme,” the DfI letter stated.
“Unfortunately, given the challenging budgetary environment, it is highly unlikely that the Department will be in a position to fund replacement of Queens Quay in the foreseeable future.
“However, the Department is happy to work with Council to explore alternative funding streams to enable this project to progress.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, the council’s Chief Executive John Kelpie said a comprehensive re-analysis of all key City Deal projects has been undertaken over the last 10-12 months.
Outline business cases are substantially advanced and will be submitted to Government for consideration over the coming months, with a revised target for the announcement of commitments to a ‘Financial Deal’ by the Government by Spring/Summer 2024.
A very significant milestone has also been reached with the DNA Maritime Museum in Ebrington.
All issues in relation to the outline proposal have now been addressed and approval of expenditure has been received.
Funding is now fully in place and approved in advance of the ‘Financial Deal’, and this project can now progress to tender stage with a currently planned start date of Summer 2024 – the first Council City Deal/ Inclusive Future Fund project to progress to construction.
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