MP takes mortar fears to Minister

MP takes mortar fears to Minister

16 November 2016

THE UK’s Secretary of Defence has been asked to launch an investigation into the amount of World War Two munitions being found at local beaches.

The call for Sir Michael Fallon to order the probe has been issued by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie who is concerned at the amount of munitions which has been found at Murlough and nearby Tyrella, Minerstown and Ballyhornan beaches.

The most recent discovery came two weeks ago when a mortar was found in sand dunes at Murlough by brothers Rafi and Sebastian Gorman when they were on an adventure walk with their grandparents.

Badly eroded munitions — mostly mortar bombs — have been found in increasing numbers on several local beaches in recent years. It is believed that most of the munitions have come from a huge undersea arms dump in a deep trench in the middle of the Irish Sea called the Beaufort Dyke.

At the end of WW2 thousands of tonnes of munitions were dumped in the trench in a bid to dispose of enormous quantities of unused munitions.

Disposal of munitions in Beaufort Dyke began in June 1945 with the dumping of 242 tons of four inch mortar bombs — it is these bombs which have been most frequently found along the Lecale coastline in recent years where they have been washed ashore.

Last August, two smoke mortars were found on Murlough beach within two weeks of each other. One of the devices was found by a child digging in the sand and the other was discovered in sand dunes.

Miss Ritchie hopes her appeal for an investigation into munitions being found will be carried out and that in addition to Murlough, there will be a focus of attention on the beach adjacent to Ballykinler.

“The wartime munition found recently by two children is the latest in a long and worrying line of mortar discoveries on Murlough beach,” said the MP. “Thankfully, no one was injured despite the children innocently picking up and moving the device. It does not bear to contemplate what could have happened had this ammunition exploded.”

Miss Ritchie said while it is understood most of the discoveries are a result of munitions being washed ashore after they were dumped in the Irish Sea after World War Two, it is not acceptable for this to continue unchecked.

“I have made representations to Sir Michael Fallon MP requesting an urgent investigation is undertaken into Murlough beach and the area adjacent to Ballykinler to ensure that all munitions are cleared,” said the MP.

“There is a need for safeguards to be put in place for local residents, children and visitors to the area. Murlough beach is one of the most striking and picturesque beaches in Ireland and it is important the area is safe.”

Miss Ritchie added: “The five miles of golden sands running along the Irish coastline attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It is crucial residents and tourists are able to enjoy this stunning natural amenity in a safe and secure manner.”