The island was battered by 90mph gusts during the storm on 8 January causing ‘notable damage’ to the 910m-long breakwater that protects Braye Harbour, especially on its outer face and walkway.
However, the likely bill to repair the damage is not being outlined, as the States said it would not comment on the estimated cost of repairs with the work currently out to tender.
‘The tender is open to any contractor with the experience and capacity to undertake the works within the constraints, and meet the requirements of the tender process,’ said infrastructure officer Marco Tersigni.
‘As we are currently out to tender, it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on the anticipated cost, as doing so would put the States at a commercial disadvantage.’
The Victorian-era breakwater is under States of Guernsey control following a 1985 deal with the British Admiralty in which Guernsey took responsibility for its maintenance as its contribution to the UK’s defence budget.
It was built by the British Navy between 1847 and 1864 in order to protect its ships during ongoing tension between Britain and France.
The damage was discovered after a visual inspection was carried out a few days after the storm, with further and more detailed inspections carried out using a drone.
Damage to the outer wall was discovered in three areas, the largest estimated to be 75 cubic metres in size.
‘Each of the recently-damaged areas are considered repairable,’ said Mr Tersigni.
‘Additional investigations are also planned to identify any additional damage that may have occurred above or below the waterline.’
He added that repairs were being prioritised before next winter to stop damaged areas getting worse.
‘There are significant practical challenges with undertaking work at the breakwater,’ he said.
‘It is a particularly exposed location and subject to swamping or overtopping by waves even in relatively settled conditions.
‘However, it’s important that this work is carried out to repair and maintain the breakwater.’
The tender document identifies mid-April to mid-September as the best time for works to be done, but even then estimates said the breakwater would only be accessible for work between 55-65% of the time.
The breakwater is currently closed to the public due to its condition and the risk of injury.