Survey is a first step in plan to open up Strangford Lough

Survey is a first step in plan to open up Strangford Lough

13 December 2017

AN audit of access points along the Strangford Lough and Lecale coastline is to be carried out as part of a plan to develop new water-based activities in both areas.

The audit, which is being funded by Newry, Mourne and Down and Ards and North Down councils, is being carried out in conjunction with the Strangford and Lecale Partnership and is due to take place next year.

In addition to looking at current access points, the audit will examine the potential to create others for water-based recreation and related activities which will not impact on the conservation features and biodiversity of both areas.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s tourism strategy, which was published last December, identified the potential offered by the Lecale coast and internationally acclaimed Strangford Lough areas, with council officials highlighting that both locations have potential to deliver new tourism opportunities for local people and visitors alike.

The cost of the £25,000 audit is being financed by the local councils with members of Newry, Mourne and Down’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee told on Monday night that Strangford Lough’s coastal waters are a “largely untapped resource” in terms of recreation for local people and visitors.

The lack of access to the heavily protected waterway is described in the local authority’s tourism strategy as a “weakness” and an issue that needs to be addressed.

Politicians were told on Monday night there is a need for an inventory and strategies to improve access to the waterway, with various strategic plans for economic and community development highlighting the opportunity to develop outdoor recreation, with the focus on water-based recreation.

Physically accessing the waterway is described as “problematic,” especially for visitors as there is little co-ordinated or strategic access provision, with a mix of private land ownership and access control, tidal conditions, location of slips and parking also presenting challenges for local people wishing to get boats or kayaks in the water.

Strangford Lough is regarded as one of Europe’s most important maritime sites and is protected by a number of designations, while Kilclief and Ballyhornan on the Lecale coast are due to secure EU bathing water status shortly. Tyrella beach already holds blue flag status which recognises the quality of its bathing water.

Members of the Newry, Mourne and Down Council committee, who agreed to press ahead with the audit of access points on Monday night, were told having such tremendous natural resources brings with it responsibility for its care so it can continue to be used and enjoyed into the future.

A paper submitted by council officers said there is “huge potential” to develop a system for sustainable access to the Lecale coastline and Strangford Lough shoreline that would facilitate wildlife watching, sport and recreation, as well as other activities such as education and scientific research.