NEWCASTLE area Counncillor Willie Clarke (Sinn Féin) has made representations to Down District Council Building and Estates department in relation to maintenance issues at Newcastle Harbour.
Newcastle Councillor Willie Clarke has expressed his concern at the state of the harbour and shore area in Newcastle.[/caption]
“This is another example of neglect at the Harbour area; xa0this area has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair and is not a priority with Down District Council. The harbour area has a real feel of dereliction and neglect about it, and while we have regeneration master plans completed in 2007 and 2011 that continue to gather dust, these reports highlight what works should be carried out. There appears to be no urgency from Down District Council to implement the recommendations in these reports.“The Newcastle Harbour regeneration plan recognises the importance of the harbour but unfortunately does not give it a high priority for attracting funding. Some believe that the harbour is not a major public issue, but I think that the North quay and the Harbour area represent an important part of our history and we should do all we can to make it an attractive location rather than an embarrassing eyesore.”
A Council spokesperson said: “Down District Council’s Economic Development section led a small working party which looked at how the harbour could be improved. It commissioned a conservation plan which provides options for improvement works. xa0The main stumbling block has been identifying appropriate funding opportunities.”
