Appeal to improve shoreline for Newcastle sea swimmers

Appeal to improve shoreline for Newcastle sea swimmers

11 October 2023

THE Crown Estate has been asked to remove a number of boulders from the Newcastle shoreline to provide improved access for sea swimmers.

The appeal has been issued by South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Mournes councillor Laura Devlin.

Mr McGrath said the popularity of sea swimming has soared over recent years in Newcastle given the continued closure of the outdoor Rock Pool at South Promenade.

He said it is good it is good so many people enjoying the open water at the harbour area all through the year and at all times of the day. 

“It is really important that as political leaders we do our bit to help nurture that and help it to continue to grow. A major part of that is the access to the water,” he continued.

“Cllr Devlin and I have now commenced 

representations with the Crown Estate to help support the work to see these boulders removed. We will also be writing to Newry, Mourne and Down Council to see if there is scope for a walkway/boardwalk to help swimmers enter the sea here.”  

Cllr Devlin said one of the issues people face is that when trying to walk down to the water there are a large mass of boulders and rocks that can be very difficult to navigate. 

“Local swimmers would be very keen to see these removed. I’ve swam here myself and know first hand how difficult they can be to navigate,” she explained.

“Having consulted a number of local agencies we have now clarified that this area is within the portfolio of the Crown Estate. While we now know who is responsible for the area it must be said that the Crown Estate is not renowned for their willingness to act on such matters. We will be impressing upon it the importance of this matter.”