Work starts on lough strategy

Work starts on lough strategy

5 December 2012

A DRAFT strategy for the protection and development of the Strangford Lough and Lecale area is expected to be published in the spring.

Work is underway on developing the heritage management strategy involving officials from the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Ards and Down Councils within the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership.

Drawing up the strategy comes after public roadshows and sectoral meetings held earlier in the year to identify the main issues to be addressed. These issues range from providing more and better walking trails and developing coastal maritime activities, through to protecting red squirrels on the Ards Peninsula and continuing to improve water quality at the Quoile.

The Partnership is already facilitating many joint initiatives with statutory bodies and local people. For example better disability access at Cloughey Beach working with Ards Borough Council and Cloughey and District Community Group and reducing the impact of invasive sea squirts in Strangford Lough with advice from the Department of the Environment and the co-operation of boat and pontoon operators.

Down Council Chief Executive, John Dumigan, said the councils and the DoE recognise the importance of conserving the Strangford Lough and Lecale area for the benefit of visitors and local people and fully support the Partnership’s work to develop the heritage management strategy. 

“In particular we need to improve access to the area through better roads and signage systems, making it easier for people from Dublin, Belfast and abroad to visit the area so that the tourism can grow and bring subsequent economic benefit to local businesses,” he said.

“Local councils will shortly be given the responsibility for the Planning Service and will be required to develop area planning and take planning decisions. There is, therefore an urgent need to improve our understanding of how human activities are affecting the landscape and natural environment so that informed decisions can be made”.

Caroline Nolan, manager of the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership, said a shared strategy and action plan that puts heritage at the heart of wealth generation and community well-being is essential.

“There is increasing evidence of the physical and mental benefits of living in a good environment, particularly at the coast, and if we grow our tourism and recreation industries sustainably they will provide jobs and income and opportunities for us all to use and enjoy our heritage for generations to come,” she said.

“There are many challenges facing us and some activities will need careful management if they are not to damage the very heritage upon which they depend. It is also important to find new ways to develop

and support traditional activities such as fishing which not only generate income but also have a deep, cultural importance to people locally.”

The draft Strategy will be available for further public input in the spring. In the meantime anyone wishing to raise issues about the landscape and the area’s built and natural heritage should write to the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership at No.1 The Square, Portaferry, County Down BT22 1LW or e-mail: caroline.nolan@strangfordlough.org.