Plans to make Newcastle beach accessible for disabled users

Plans to make Newcastle beach accessible for disabled users

17 August 2022

PLANS to create one of Northern Ireland’s fully accessible beaches in Newcastle for people of all disabilities have been supported by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

The only other fully adapted ‘inclusive beach’ in County Down, one of just two in Northern Ireland – created by the charity, the Mae Murray Foundation – is at Cranfield near Kilkeel.

An inclusive beach is a fully planned environment which provide access, parking, and disabled toilets which include offer hoisting and adult-sized changing bench facilities.

Northern Ireland’s first inclusive beach was created at Benone in County Antrim.

At Monday’s meeting of the council’s Active and Healthy Communities committee meeting, chairperson of the Foundation, Alix Crawford, and its chief executive, Kyleigh Lough delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining their ambitious plans for Newcastle.

They said the popular seaside resort had been chosen as first among a number of potential other sites including Murlough, Kilclief, Newcastle, Ballyhornan and Tyrella.

Members heard that Tyrella would be the next beach they would hope to develop under their special accessibility model which leads the field in the UK.

The group, based in Larne, is currently consulting on guidelines for their model with audiences in Great Britain, such is their expertise in developing this type of beach.

They said Newcastle beach was the best option due to its existing infrastructure which could be more easily adapted than the current situation at the other beaches.

Highlighting the benefits that inclusive beach status would bring to Newcastle, Ms Crawford said: “Cranfield was identified back in 2017 and we have had the likes of Swim Ulster bringing open water swimming to people with disabilities here, and families who took part said it was the best day of their lives taking part in this.

“We want Newcastle to be the next inclusive beach because it is the most easily adaptable,” she said.

She said that, if supported by the council, the Mae Murray would apply for grant funding for the equipment, while the council would be asked to provide the infrastructure, including staff required to operate and supervise the comprehensive toilet facilities. 

A number of councillors voiced their support for the initiative, including Cllr Gareth Sharvin who himself suffers from mobility issues.

Speaking after the meeting, SDLP councillor Laura Devlin said: “All abilities should be able to enjoy and appreciate our beautiful coastline.”

Commenting on the popularity of water activities during the recent good weather, she added that it was “totally unfair that those with disabilities were prevented from the same enjoyment”.

“Officers within council have been working on proposals for disability access to the beach for some time and I am pleased the Mae Murray Foundation have added their support for such an initiative.”

The council is expected to consider the charity’s proposals next month.