Councillor wants officer for Newcastle promenade

Councillor wants officer for Newcastle promenade

15 January 2020

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been asked to appoint a dedicated officer to oversee Newcastle’s award-winning promenade.

The appeal has been issued by Mournes councillor Laura Devlin, who said the promenade needs to be well maintained.

The multi-million pound structure was littered with debris including sand, stones and seaweed last weekend after high tides and strong winds on Saturday, while on Monday it was battered as Storm Brendan lashed the East Down coastline.

Cllr Devlin described the promenade as an “amazing asset” which attracts tourists, with the beautiful facility also enjoyed by local people who use it for recreational purposes.

“We are seeing planned investment in other seafronts across the North and it is vital that we in Newcastle remain ahead of the game,” said the councillor. “This can be as basic as ensuring that the railings are not damaged, a bin isn’t broken and a light isn’t out.

“However, as not one department within the local council has overall responsibility for the promenade, what I am asking for is an officer to walk the promenade monthly and note down any issues which need actioned.”

Cllr Devlin said while local authority staff are on the promenade every day, she believes that what is needed is what she described as an “overarching officer” spanning across all departments within council.

She added: “If my suggestion is agreed, it will go some way towards maintaining the promenade. It is vital that we do our best to promote Newcastle and the wider area so it becomes even more popular in the future.”