Cllr Jill Truesdale discusses the issues with the Islands Park in Newcastle and nature-based solutions
Alliance Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale is passionate about the Islands Park in Newcastle saying that it needs nature-based solutions to help it stop from flooding.
Recently the Flood Management Bill (Primary Legislation – Committee) was running through the Assembly on 11th February 2026 and she has commented on the importance of this bill to residents in areas prone to flooding with the changes in the climate.
She added that it was an important topic for all Newcastle residents and touches on one that causes considerable anxiety following recent floods in the town.
Jill said: “It’s safe to say we have all had enough of the wet weather so I was really pleased to hear discussion around nature-based flooding solutions such as attenuation ponds, native species planting, the right tree in the right place for the right reason on a case-by-case bases with a critical guidance and maintenance schedule.
“Nature-based solutions harness the power of nature to boost natural ecosystems, biodiversity and human well-being to address major societal issues, including climate change.
The Islands Park, located in the heart of Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland was dedicated to local Councillor Paddy O’Donaghue. Jill said, “I have always loved this park and requested the sign dedicated to Mr O’Donaghue to have a bit of a facelift to compliment the new playpark.
“I was delighted for this request to be approved. I am pleased to also initiated a process to get Council to instal a new bin, communication boards in the playpark and fresh signage, but there’s still work to be done here.”
The park is a scenic, family-friendly riverside park offering a peaceful escape with a new accessible playground, tennis courts, and Newry Mourne and Down District Council are hopeful of further plans to be implemented for families.
The park also serves as a starting point for nature walks toward Tollymore Forest and provides picturesque views of the Mourne Mountains.
Jill added:, “The park is one of Newcastle’s most treasured spaces but same paths are turning into ponds time and time again reducing accessibility.
“This flooding is due to a mixture of high tides, the flood alleviation scheme, and the wrong trees being put in. They were supposed to be Irish Oak, and there is a lack of money for nature-based solutions.
Rivers Agency have answers to the problem. Teams of local people would genuinely like to carry out nature-based projects but we are told the budget is limited.
“I have contacted the Council in December 2024 asking them to consider something similar to the UPSURGE scheme running in Lower Botanic Belfast. This is a scheme testing nature based projects, keeping paths clear but allowing the wetland to collect rain by creating species rich grassland and what is known as ‘wetland scrapes’.”
Scrapes retain water and both are creating better wetland habitats for local wildlife, they are shallow, man-made, or restored depressions with gently sloping edges that hold water seasonally, acting as vital habitats for wildlife.
Jill said: “We are an island surrounded by water. We, in Newcastle, are a coastal town at the bottom of a compact mountain range. We have got to start putting in place every solution at our disposal that offers cost-effective, sustainable, and multi-functional approaches to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and societal challenges simultaneously.
“We have seen various councillors requesting more to be done regarding protection of coastal paths, coastal roads, flooding and damaged sand dunes.
“This is all due to climate crisis so the time has long past to deny there is one and start working on solutions.
“I am delighted to endorse the PeatPlus project which is a four-year, cross-border peatland restoration programme led by Ulster Wildlife and funded through PEACEPLUS.
