South Down Coastal Facilites Benefit from Fisheries Funding

Both the Mourne Esplanade at Kilkeel, and Cranfield beach have recently benefited from just over £700,000 of environmental improvement works funded through Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the South East Area European Fisheries Fund (SEA). SEA is funded through Axis 4 of the European Fisheries fund through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the European Union. Both facilities are located along the Mourne Coastal Route and the completion of these enhancement works add further value to the tourism infrastructure within the District.

The Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel, represents the main recreational and sporting facility for the fishing town of Kilkeel. This scheme has resulted in significant enhancements which will increase usage to this facility, and includes: lighting to the coastal pathway; an ornate boundary railing; fencing to the football pitch; renovations to the changing pavilion; a new seating and viewing area in line with the Mourne Coastal Route branding; adult fitness equipment, and two new art features depicting imagery from the fishing industry.

The scheme at Cranfield enabled the Council to enhance one of its main beaches ensuring beach users have an even better experience whenever they visit the site. The works have resulted in an upgrade to the children's play park with new adult fitness equipment; installation of new pathways; erection of fencing; and the provision of entrance feature signage and interpretation panels in line with the Mourne Coastal Route branding. As well as the above, separate works at the site included installing rock armour along the beach front.

Chairperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie, welcomed this investment by stating, “Today we have seen the real value that the South East Area European Fisheries Funding has had in 2 of our important coastal recreational facilities. Both schemes have brought significant enhancements to the quality of the user and visitor experience, and the range of activities that are now on offer at both sites. The Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel and Cranfield Beach are both located in unique settings, and together they have the potential to impact on the health and well being of those who live in the fishing dependant community and surrounding areas.”

Also promoted at the launch event was Cranfield Beach securing its blue flag status for the 2015 season which demonstrates the excellent water quality at the beach. Cranfield has also in place a Cranfield beach code which sets out guidelines in order to ensure the Health and Safety of all visitors on and off shore.

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