Visitors welcomed at Ardglass marina

Visitors welcomed at Ardglass marina

25 April 2018

ARDGLASS marina has opened a new dedicated parking area for motorhome owners to provide the village with a tourism boost.

The move is part of a major drive by the marina to attract more local, national and international visitors with the new parking area part of a significant investment plan which has resulted in the refurbishment of the toilet and shower block which now includes facilities for the disabled.

A new solar powered electricity system has also been installed and laundry facilities are also available following the revamp.

Motorhome owners can now leave their vehicles in a secure area which has been separated from the marina’s main park via a wooden fence and automated gate. There are also plans to erect a new security camera system. 

Six dedicated spaces have been provided, but there is potential to expand the number to meet future demand from the motorhome fraternity.

“A lot of work has gone in to upgrading the marina’s facilities and the secure motorhome park will allow people to leave their vehicles and visit local bars and restaurants and places of interest in the village,” said marina director Ricky Le Bloas.

“Planning permission to carry out the improvements was secured 18 months ago and we plan to start advertising the fact that we now have an enhanced range of visitor facilities, for which there will be a small charge. The maria funded all the work and we are pleased with the improvements.”

Ricky said the marina has responded to requests to upgrade its facilities. Other work that has been carried out includes removing the gangway to the pontoons, which has been restored, and a new 

non-slip surface fitted which complies with current health and safety requirements.

“Other issues involve replacing several pontoon floats, while we are currently developing a new website to provide visitors with information not just about the marina, but Ardglass. We hope the  new website will go live within the next few weeks,” he said.

Looking further ahead, Ricky said the village’s recently formed harbour development committee is hoping that boat handling equipment can be installed at the harbour which would be able to lift boats out of the water, ranging in size from four to 200 tonnes.

Cllr Dermot Curran has welcomed the new development at the harbour and believes the provision of a dedicated area for motorhome owners will be warmly welcomed.

“The fact motorhome owners will be able to park their vehicles in a safe location and have access to toilets and showers which can be used by people with a disability will encourage others to come and sample what the village has to offer,” he continued.

“More visitors will boost the Ardglass economy and the new facility at the marina will enhance the village’s profile. I have no doubt the available spaces will be widely used this summer and beyond.”

Cllr Curran said Ardglass has worked hard to raise its tourism profile with the new motorhome spaces helping enhance its reputation as a visitor friendly destination.

He added: “We have high class bed and breakfast accommodation, restaurants, bars and a world renowned golf course. Ardglass is an active fishing port with a splendid marina and given the village has a lot to offer the new motorhome parking is particularly welcome.

“I have no doubt the various improvements planned for the marina and harbour area will pave the way for increased investment, further strengthening the village’s economy.”