Call for Tyrella beach work to begin

Call for Tyrella beach work to begin

12 June 2019

A LOCAL politician has said he is keen to see work starting soon on a major investment project at Tyrella beach to help protect its prestigious Blue Flag designation.

Just over £300,000 is to be invested in two separate projects to help improve a range of facilities at what is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular beaches.

Tyrella, which is one of a number of local beaches that continues to enjoy some of the best bathing water quality in Europe, currently holds the prestigious EU Blue Flag status.

Several months ago, Newry, Mourne and Down Council warned that the key designation which reflects the quality of the beach and its bathing water could be at risk, alongside Tyrella’s Area of Special Scientific Interest, if much-needed improvement work is not carried out.

It confirmed that £40,000 has been earmarked to enhance the boardwalk area between the main car park and the beach and improve parking and traffic measures, alongside improved pedestrian access and aesthetic improvements to the site.

News that work to deliver the scheme is ongoing was confirmed at Monday afternoon’s meeting of the local authority’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee.

The group’s vice-chairman, Cllr Dermot Curran, is keen to see work at the beach started soon to cater for the needs of visitors over the summer and beyond.

Council officials have previously described parking facilities at the beach as “inadequate” and highlighted a lack of dedicated disabled parking provision which they need to address.

In addition, there is also concern about the surface of the existing car park which is particularly uneven and the absence of adequate parking for visitors with young families.

Cllr Curran, who has also welcomed plans for new directional signs, said the planned work at Tyrella is primarily designed to improve visitor experience.

He said the local beach is very popular and given that Down District relies heavily on tourism, it is vital the planned Tyrella improvements are implemented as soon as possible.

“Investing in what already is a premium asset is important,” continued Cllr Curran. 

“We are fortunate to have stunning beaches like Tyrella, Kilclief and Ballyhornan on our doorstep and those who work hard to keep our bathing waters clean and, more importantly, up to an internationally recognised standard so they are safe to use, do a terrific job.”

He added: “Down District has many priceless, natural resources which can make a valuable contribution to the health and well-being of our local communities and visitors alike. It is important we all work to strive for the very highest of standards across all our facilities.”