Rock armour from a Welsh Slate quarry is helping to keep local people safe.
Granite from Welsh Slate’s historic Ffestiniog quarry in north Wales is helping to bolster vital sea defences at Kinmel Bay 40 miles away.
Some 2,000 tonnes of the 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 rock armour 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.
Earlier this year, the effects of Storm Pierrick meant residents were on standby to evacuate their homes, with an estimated 10 to 20 reported to have been marooned after seawater struck Sandy Bay.
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 is supplying local civil engineers Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK with more than 50,000 tonnes of three to six-tonne each of granite rock armour from Ffestiniog. Work started in September (2024) and is due to complete this winter (2025/2026).
The leading UK manufacturer 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, has 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 the spring when the project will stand down for the summer tourist season to reduce vehicle movements during the school holidays.
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