Bid to clear dam debris

Bid to clear dam debris

23 September 2015

EFFORTS are being made to secure funding to remove overgrown foliage from the historic dam in Drumaness.

Residents are concerned the foliage is spoiling the appearance of the dam which they regard as an important community asset.

The Drumaness Heritage and Conservation Group hopes to secure money to allow the overgrown foliage to be cut back and finance other improvements. They include unblocking sluice gates at Weir Lane in the village and repairing broken parts of the dam itself.

Pat Ward, a member of the Drumaness group, said the dam was upgraded as part of an environmental improvement scheme earlier this year funded by the former Down Council and Down Rural Area Partnership.

“Our group met recently with a Newry, Mourne and Down Council official to discuss the additional work that is required to trim the foliage and carry out the other repairs to the sluice gates and the dam,” he explained.

“We have been told a special boat, which the local council has access to, is required to allow the foliage growing into the dam area to be trimmed and we hope this work can be carried out in the very near future.”

Mr Ward said “tonnes of sludge” which have built up at a waterfall at the Weir Lane needs to be removed.

“We hope money can be secured to further enhance the environmental improvements which have already been carried out. The potential exists to do so much more with the dam to make it a real focal point in the heart of the village.”

Mr Ward said heritage and conservation officials believe the dam can be developed to provide a key community attraction in the heart of Drumaness.