Beach wins award – but not for long

Beach wins award – but not for long

5 August 2015

MINERSTOWN Beach has been granted a prestigious Green Coast Award —  fleetingly.

Just five weeks after the local beach, which is renowned for its wildlife, was granted the the award recognising good environmental management, the awards body Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful has revealed it was never in fact a winner.

While Newcastle, Murlough Bay and Tyrella beaches, which were also named award recipients at the end of June, retain their titles, Minerstown has now been taken off the list.

A spokesman for Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said the announcement about Minerstown had been made in error.

He said Newry Mourne and Down Council, which manages the beach, had not applied for the award this year, meaning Minerstown will be stripped of the title.

Although the news may be disappointing to some, the confirmation has been greeted with relief by local councillor and environmentalist Cadogan Enright who said he was perplexed to see council officials photographed celebrating Minerstown’s inclusion on the list of award winners.

To achieve the award, beaches must have excellent water quality and have effective and appropriate management which ensures the protection of the natural environment. Although Mr Enright said this was a positive endorsement, he said he feared too many people would be attracted to Minerstown if it was given a Green Coast Award.

Mr Enright said he had worked hard to persuade the council to introduce special bye-laws to protect the seal and bird populations on the beach and said part of this drive included limiting traffic on the beach.

He said the lack of parking facilities at Minerstown and a lack of public bins and facilities meant it could not cope with big visitor numbers.

“There are much more suitable beaches in our area that would benefit from such an award including Killough,” he said.

“However, I must say I am very relieved this was an error. I think we should protect Minerstown for wildlife and seek awards for other beaches that we are keen to promote.

“We have a huge campaign at the minute to EU bathing water status for our beaches. Let is concentrate on that.”