Newcastle, County Down: Evaluation Of The Sustainability Of Coastal Management Strategies

Question 1

Groynes [4]

Answer 1

1. Groynes were built to protect the beach in the 1950s.
2. These stop sand being removed from the beach and build it up, making it more attractive for tourists, which increases profits from tourism.
3. However, groynes erode and break apart over time and can be expensive to replace.
4. They can also be unattractive and make access into the beach difficult.

Question 2

Gabions [4]

Answer 2

1. Gabions were used to protect sand dunes along the coast, however they were ineffective and had to be replaced 10 years later.
2. These are an inexpensive, short term solution to stop erosion.
3. However, they are not long term solutions because cages can split under pressure from the sea.
4. They can also be unattractive and build up debris and pollution.

Question 3

2007 redesign of the sea front [5]

Answer 3

1. In 2007, £4 million was spent on redesigning the sea front, which had been badly eroded.
2. A curved sea wall was built to help protect the main street from waves and floods.
3. This protects businesses and homes from large waves and floods.
4. It can also be used to provide a walkway for tourists.
5. However, the sea wall is a very expensive solution that often just shifts erosion down the coast.

Question 4

Further evaluation [2]

Answer 4

1. The new promenade development has won many design awards and local residents hope that it will benefit the tourism industry.
2. However, the construction has damaged the natural environment and has replaced natural sand dunes, which are much better for beach protection.

Question 5

List the four areas that should be discussed in the answer.

Answer 5

1. Groynes
2. Gabions
3. 2007 redesign of the sea front
4. Further evaluation