The masterplan will present a framework within which detailed proposals can be developed for a mix of business, tourism, leisure, public space and housing that could be accommodated [caption id="attachment_21937" align="alignleft" width="500" caption="Down District Council Chairman Councillor Dermot Curran has welcomed the South East Coast Masterplan. "][/caption] Chairman of Down District Council Councillor Dermot Curran said, “I am delighted at the news that the Department for Social Development is providing funding to produce a Masterplan for the East Coast. This exciting initiative will greatly contribute to the development of the tourism product across the three towns of Newcastle, Kilkeel and Warrenpoint and the adjacent Coastal areas. “It will also complement the extensive public realm works which have been recently completed. I look forward to seeing the finished plan.” Minister McCausland added, “By working in collaboration with each other Warrenpoint, Kilkeel and Newcastle will be able to fully exploit the region’s assets to attract more visitors and new businesses whilst at the same time protecting each town’s unique character and setting.” Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council Councillor Charlie Casey said: “I am delighted to announce this master planning exercise. This exercise allows local businesses and communities in Kilkeel and Warrenpoint to have real input to the future development plans for their towns. We all recognise how tourism can help grow our local economies. I believe this affords us an opportunity to rejuvenate our seaside towns. “The plan should help public agencies to plan spend and a finalised Masterplan will provide Newry and Mourne District Council, private sector and community sector to lobby for much needed resources to implement the actions from these innovative plans.” The Masterplan process will help build consensus among government bodies, council, local community and private developers on how to optimise development opportunities.]]>