Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services was notified about the issue on Thursday evening and work to find the cause of the damage started on Friday.

The coast road has been closed since then and is due to be closed until at least tomorrow.

A spokesperson for ACLMS said that given the risk to the seawall and the utilities within the road, the investigations have been authorised as “essential works” so were able to get started immediately. 

"Correct social distancing and hygiene will be maintained by all personnel participating and efforts made to reduce movements of vehicles and personnel as far as is possible," said the spokesperson.

ACLMS warned people using the beach opposite the Rockmount may see some red staining on the sand in the area around where the exploratory works are happening. That is from an 'ecologically friendly red dye' which has been run through the hole in the road to mark the exit points of any air spaces on the seaward side of the wall.

That staining should disappear with the tides.

Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services said it apologises for any inconvenience caused to residents and the public during these essential works.