European status for beaches edges closer

European status for beaches edges closer

23 November 2016

A CAMPAIGN to secure a prestigious European designation for three local beaches is tantalisingly close to being declared a major success.

In the summer, hundreds people took to the water in Killough, Ballyhornan and Kilclief as part of a major community initiative to secure EU Bathing Water Status for the three local strands.

Securing the designation would force the Department of Infrastructure to introduce enhanced sewage treatment which would contribute greatly to improving water quality along the Lecale coastline.

Preliminary results for the applications by the beaches for bathing water status are due to be published at the end of the month, with speculation that Ballyhornan and Kilclief will be adopted, with Killough’s bid deemed unsuccessful.

However, those behind the bid to secure the prestigious status for all three beaches, are determined to have Killough included in the same bracket as its neighbours and aim to continue with their campaign to ensure this happens.

Independent Councillor Cadogan Enright — who has been leading the cross-community campaign — said it is his understanding that consultation will be brought forward to adopt Kilclief and Ballyhornan, but not Killough.  

Emphasising the economic implications of the campaign, he explained it is not just about water quality and water infrastructure. 

“The campaign is about putting the Lecale coast and some of our lovely beaches on the international tourism map,” he declared. “The economic impact of tourism can clearly be seen by contrasting Killough with Strangford village locally. Strangford is able to support many more businesses, restaurants and events because of its thriving tourism trade. Clearly Killough, Ballyhornan, Kilclief and the Lecale coast generally can benefit from extending this economic lift down the coast to Ballykinlar from Strangford village.”

Councillor Enright said he has informed Newry, Mourne and Down Council to be ready for the forthcoming consultation,confirming the organising committee of the campaign for the three villages is being called together to deal with the consultation in a co-ordinated manner. 

“We are grateful for the on-going support of the Down Rural Development Partnership in this campaign and are making sure it is also involved in responding to the consultation,” he continued.

“Given the huge crowds we attracted to the three beaches over the past few years, and especially over this summer, it is difficult to see how any inspector can say we have not met the criteria for EU bating water status. “

Councillor Enright added: “Hopefully by the end of the consultation, we will be able to get all three villages over the line.”

Killough organiser, Kieron Black, said it would appear that inspectors who visited the village beach in the summer are going to suggest there were not enough beach users there to enable them to tick the last remaining box needed to secure EU bathing water status.

He added: “It is clear they have made no attempt to look at our on-line archive of photos showing dozens of occasions in this summer’s bathing season where we have had more than 50 people on the beach. With our Rope Walk around the shore and our lovely village and regular community litter pick-ups and village facilities, we clearly qualify in every other way,” he added.