As the new super council in the South Down gets its teeth into key environmental and tourism issues, it has received support from South Down MP Margaret Ritchie who has welcomed a commitment from Newry Mourne and Down District Council to develop a bathing quality strategy for all beaches on the east coast.
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South Down MP Margaret Ritchie is encouraged by the Council’s action of promoting clean beaches in Down ro help the environment and local tourism.[/caption]
Ms Ritchie said: “Clean bathing waters and beaches are a crucial factor in the enhancement of tourism, the economy and the environment in terms of both animal and plant life. “Further to representations to Newry Mourne and Down District Council, I have been advised all beaches in the district will be reviewed with the aim of developing bathing quality strategies, particularly where there is the potential to generate tourism interest. “This will refer to beaches in Kilclief, Ballyhornan, Scorden at Killough, Tyrella, Ballykinler, Dundrum, Murlough, Newcastle, The Ballagh, Annalong, Kilkeel and Cranfield. “I understand this report will be presented to the Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee early in the new year. “This is very welcome news and I would hope the report will identify key areas where bathing waters and beach quality can be improved for the benefit of residents and tourists alike.
“Newcastle is one of the key tourist towns within the District and it is crucial the Council pay particular interest to the beach to ensure a high quality of bathing water and a sandy beach. I look forward to improvements identified in this report, being carried out to all beaches in 2016 at the earliest opportunity,” added Ms Ritchie.
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