Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke address issues in Newcastle
Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has urged Newry Mourne and Down District Council to show greater urgency in regards to implementing the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan and Strategic Development Framework (SDF) for Newcastle Harbour.
He said: “It was already agreed by Council to move forward with the development of projects identified within the SDF to feasibility stage.
“It was a recommendation in the SDF to establish a Newcastle Harbour Management forum led by NMDDC, but it appears that no progress has been made in setting this Forum up so far.
“It is essential for Council to commit the resources to enable this work to begin”
Cllr Clarke added: “During the last term in Council, I ensured the Newcastle Harbour conservation management plan and a strategic development framework for the area was developed.
“This conservation management plan and development framework highlight what works should be carried out. These actions need to be acted upon which includes:
• linking the two piers with a board walk,
• work on the piers,health and safety improvements,
• disability access,
• and the restoration of the generator house, which is being progressed by the Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association and improvements for sea swimmers.
• and a new use for the Watch House.
“The plan also recommends an appropriate and sustainable new use should be identified for the Watch House. It is essential that this building is brought back into community use.
***
Mournes Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke Welcomes New Signage
Mournes Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke has welcomed the directional signage for visitors walking the route to Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh, from the Donard Forest in Newcastle.
He said: “This is a piece of work I have been lobbying for since April 2022.
“Many members of the public are frustrated with the lack of signage when trying to access the Mournes from Donard Park along the Glen River route into the Mournes.
“I had also been contacted by a number of tourism accommodation providers in relation to this issue.
“It was paramount that adequate signage was installed for visitors approaching the main route for hill walkers entering the Mournes to climb Slieve Donard and other peaks.
“I am very pleased with the quality and design of the signage.”
