Fall-out over Minerstown beach

Fall-out over Minerstown beach

6 July 2016

CONSERVATIONISTS are at loggerheads with residents over proposals to severely restrict access to Minerstown beach.

Bye-laws designed to help protect a seal colony and sea life are to be rigorously enforced and will result in a ban on vehicles from using two rights of way which locals and visitors have used to gain direct access to the picturesque beach for decades.

In addition to the ban on cars, motorcycles and people flying kites have been banned from the beach, with no boats or other water craft permitted between May 1 and October 31. No horses are allowed on the beach between April and November.

Local residents are concerned at the move and want the two rights of way at the Lisoid Road to remain available for people wishing to access the beach which is popular with visitors.

They argue Newry, Mourne and Down Council bye-laws banning cars from using the rights of way will result in people parking along the main road near the beach which has the potential to cause traffic congestion along a busy tourist route.

Councillor Gareth Sharvin, who has raised residents’ concerns with senior council officials, said there is no doubt the sea life in the area needs to be protected and measures implemented to ensure this is the case.

He explained residents’ main concern is that rights of way which have been used for generations by local people and visitors are now under threat and will no longer be used to provide access to the beach.

Councillor Sharvin added: “Residents are concerned about the implications the bye-laws will have on their homes and an area popular with visitors. One resident whom I met has lived in the area for over 70 years and told me the rights of way have always been in place. If they cannot be used, it will remove a legacy of access to the beach.”

The councillor said during a recent meeting with residents, he witnessed a number of people continuing to drive along the rights of way to access the beach, with others driving on after reading new signs detailing the bye-laws relating to the area.

He added: “Council officials have been asked to ascertain that the two rights of way which have been used for many, many years are recognised as legal access points to Minerstown beach. Residents want the rights of way to remain in place and for the local authority to consider providing a parking area to keep cars off the main road.”

Councillor Sharvin said will continue to liaise with residents and council officials in a bid to come up with an agreement.