First steps taken in drive for Down coastal footpath

First steps taken in drive for Down coastal footpath

4 November 2015

THE long-term goal of a long distance, coastal footpath between Carlingford and Strangford Loughs and into the Ards peninsula, took a small step forward this week.

An £8,000 grant has been given to two local community associations which will pay for a feasibility study into plans for a coastal path and cycle track between Strangford and Kilclief.

Environment Minister Mark Durkan visited Kilclief on Thursday to announce the grant and to hear for himself the proposals to link the two communities together.

A separate study is currently being carried out into the possibility of creating a long distance Down Coastal Route from Strangford to Carlingford Lough, similar to the highly successful Welsh Coastal Path which was completed in 2014.

Mr Durkan provided the money under the Challenge Fund which arose from the plastic bag tax and is intended to be used for environmentally friendly projects in local communities.

The grant application was made by Kilclief Residents Association and Strangford Community Association backed up by the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership.

Councillor Cadogan Enright, who represents Newry Mourne and Down Council on the Partnership, has co-ordinated the proposal to date.

“The Partnership has a vision for a coastal path and cycleway all around the County Down coast and has been working with the council on a survey of the coast from Carlingford to Strangford and up the Ards peninsula,” said Mr Enright.

“It was a great boost for both villages to be given the award. and I was delighted when Minister Durkan came to meet us yesterday at Kilclief GAC with Margaret Ritchie, his local party colleague and MP. 

“We were able to show them the local benefits of our proposal in potentially creating a safe link between both villages, the local beaches and the club while supporting the strategic tourist vision of creating an unmissable tourism experience linking all the main attractions on the County Down Coast.”

During his visit members of the Kilclief association canvassed Mr Durkan on the possibility of using Kilclief Castle as a ‘heritage centre-point’ along the new route with facilities for visitors to the beach and walkers and cyclists.

“This award could not have come at a better time, as the study for the Down Coastal route is shortly to be presented to Newry, Mourne and Down Council and is likely to be adopted,” said councillor Enright.

“This award will allow the villages of Strangford and Kilclief to be among the first to take advantage of the major economic stimulus that would arise from a Down Coastal Path, potentially mirroring the huge success of the Welsh Coastal Path that was completed in 2014.”