Conservation plan proposed to look after Dundrum Bay

Conservation plan proposed to look after Dundrum Bay

1 February 2017

A NEW management plan is being drawn up to protect the environment around Dundrum Bay.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is developing the plan which aims to ensure future protection of the bay that conservation management is a priority for all agencies in the area.

One of the organisations working with the NIEA is the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which is currently drawing up the Ballykinlar Coastal Dynamics Study which will be used to inform the overall management plan.

The dunes and shoreline around Ballykinlar are viewed by environmentalists as having huge importance because they have been relatively undisturbed for decades.

Throughout the Troubles access to the dunes and beach surrounding the large training base, was strictly curtailed with the result it is recognised as having almost unique significance in Northern Ireland.

In recognition of the importance of Ballykinlar the MoD decided to commission it’s own study which is expected to be completed before the end of next month.

South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie, has welcomed the work that is being carried out on the new management plan.

“Following the munitions find at Murlough Bay in November 2016 it became clear that a strategic and formal approach was required to ensure that the area was not only safe for the public to use but that its future was protected and that conservation management was a priority for all agencies with an interest in the area,” said Miss Ritchie.

“As such I made representations to the MOD and NIEA urging that the area receive priority attention. 

I am now  pleased to report that both the MOD and NIEA are actively working toward the finalisation of a management plan for Dundrum Bay.

“The MOD are currently working on the Ballykinlar Coastal Dynamics Study and this work is expected to be completed by a specialist sub-contractor before the end of March 2017. The findings of this study will then be used to inform the overall management plan that is being developed by the NIEA.

“Dundrum Bay provides both environmental and economic benefits for our local community. It is an asset with we must protect, enhance and harness along with our many other natural tourism resources as we work towards increasing economic growth in our local area,” she said.