Harbour redevelopment at heart of Ardglass discussion

28 July 2021

THE future development of Ardglass harbour is set to be discussed by local politicians next month.

The move comes after the recent publication of the so-called fishing and seafood development programme which highlights the need for investment in the region of £45m to help maximise the port’s future opportunities by enhancing capacity to provide security for fishing and processing businesses.

The report was published following a strategic review of the opportunities for developing the sea fishing and seafood sectors across the province, including the potential role of new public investment in infrastructure.

Focusing on recommendations in relation to capital investment at the main fishery harbours, the report highlights a number of challenges and opportunities for the wider industry that could be addressed through a future fisheries financial support scheme.

In addition, the report highlights the need to create conditions resulting in investment in more modern, fuel efficient vessels with low emissions and better facilities for crews, further reducing the environmental impact of the fishing fleet, adopting novel technology to expand marine aquaculture and taking advantage of EU exit opportunities to build exports of high value seafood.

The report confirms that a recent survey of the harbour walls in Ardglass revealed that some repairs may be required within the next one to two years but their condition will not prevent the deepening of the harbour — to nine metres below the waterline — if they are stabilised and protected from undermining prior to dredging operations.

It says the current water depth and quayside length prevents larger fishing vessels from landing at Ardglass with tankers transporting fish landed in Belfast to the village for processing. Mackerel and Irish Sea herring continue to be landed in Ardglass.

The report says there is inadequate space for growing the inshore fleet at the port as the quayside is dominated by the larger demersal fleet and occasional visiting pelagic vessels, with the adjoining marina for the exclusive use of leisure craft.

A constraint to the landside development of the harbour’s estate is the mixed ownership of existing properties which prevents the Fishery Harbour Authority from having full control over activities at the port and limits the ability to plan strategically.

As a result, the Fishing and Seafood Development Programme proposes a £1m budget to purchase properties and prepare buildings and land within the harbour for redevelopment. With the cost of the work at the main harbour estimated at £45m, the report explains the figure can only be revised following the completion of a bathymetric survey.

Members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee will shortly discuss a notice of motion tabled by Slieve Croob councillor, Andrew McMurray, in relation to the future development of both Ardglass and Kilkeel harbours.

He is urging the local authority to support the fishing and seafood development programme report and request a meeting between Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy and council chief executive Marie Ward to ensure that the funds required for the work at the harbours will be made available.

In addition, Cllr McMurray is keen to see a project board established comprising representatives from all interested parties with a dedicated council officer appointed to liaise between Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie harbours, DAERA and the local authority, to assist in the development and implementation of the respective projects within the district.

“The issue of harbour developments at both Kilkeel and Ardglass goes back further than my tenure as a councillor,” he explained. “The new fishing and seafood report provides an opportunity for our council to recommit to ensure the development and investment at both ports.

“We need to send a clear message, not just to the various ministers to which this motion mentions, but to the communities in Ardglass and Kilkeel and Ardglass that we are actively working to ensure investment and development in these areas.

“This means that these projects do not merely sit on the shelf, but that we are proactive in ensuring a structure is created by which these projects are facilitated and delivered.”

Cllr McMurray insists that his motion is not about two harbours competing with each other but, rather, about approaching the issue in a collaborative way, recognising the respective strengths of each to ensure they deliver for everyone in a burgeoning industry that has so much more to develop.

He added: “If we are sincere about developing a circular economy, then this is the industry by which it can thrive. Local produce going to local suppliers and eateries.

“Ship builders repairing and exporting vessels should also be educating and researching into new technologies which can make the vessels taking to sea more efficient and renewable.

“Expanding the engineering industry at the quayside in order to assemble and service off-shore renewable wind projects is also important, as is using waste products, such as shells, to create bio-plastics. I believe that all of this is possible as part of the circular economy.”

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder