Members of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee heard today (20 March) that permanent repairs to damage caused by Storm Eowyn to roads and infrastructure assets across СƬapp and Bute could potentially cost up to £7.3 million.
This does not include costs for damage to assets maintained by services across the Council, for example property.
The committee agreed that funding for some repairs may be provided by the Scottish Government’s Belwin Scheme. Repairs to marine assets that fall outside this funding will be paid for through future fees and charges. Work to roads and coastal assets will be prioritised alongside planned works in the 2025/2026 capital СƬapp.
Members also agreed to request discussion with the Scottish Government on how future funding could be made available to support infrastructure recovery work after major storm events.
Between Friday 24 January and Saturday 25 January, 130 locations, blocked by debris, were identified and the majority cleared by Monday 27 January. Repair works undertaken to date have been simple and low-cost. Three locations required more extensive work, which began immediately to prevent further damage and to protect the public:
- A814 landslip south of Arrochar – complete
- A815 Dunoon coastal wall – ongoing
- B8024 Ormsary undermining and erosion on roads and verges – ongoing
The remaining works to marine, road and coastal assets are estimated to cost £7.3 million. However, this could reduce significantly once a range of options are considered for each location in order to develop a repair СƬapp that is affordable within existing capital budgets.
Storm Eowyn highlighted the financial impact severe weather has on roads, seawalls, bridges, piers and harbours. Lesser, but no less impactful, damage occurred to burial sites, parks, recycling centres and council depots.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services, said: “We cannot underestimate the effect climate change will have on weather systems in years to come. Storm Eowyn has a devastating effect on communities across СƬapp and Bute - power cuts, cancelled ferries, damage to property, blocked roads and localised tidal flooding. We are still picking up the pieces.
“Thanks to everyone, in the community and council, who did such a grand job in getting СƬapp and Bute moving again after the storm and supporting people in vulnerable situations?
“In the recent budget, we agreed to set aside funding for future emergencies, like October 2023 and Storm Eowyn, so we can get back on our feet as quickly as possible. However, we would also like to work with the Scottish Government to find the best way of funding storm recovery across disperse, rural communities such as ours.”
Full details on the recovery work are contained in the committee paper.