Downpatrick area SDLP Councillor Gareth Sharvin is calling for a joined-up solution to the recently implemented Bye Laws at Minerstown beach.
He indicated that only last week, Newry Mourne and Down District Council erected new signage at two key points at Minerstown beach, where it informs users of the beach about limitations of vehicles, motor cycles, kite flying or fires on the beach. The new signage also states that no personal water craft use is permitted during 1 May and 31 October, and that no horses are allowed on the beach during 1 April and 31 November. (see full Bye laws below in link.)
Local Councillor Gareth Sharvin has been contacted by a large number of residents for a variety of issues, primarily the rights-of-way near Lisoid Road and the danger of cars parking along the main Minerstown Road if they cannot access the currently used field area near the beach.
He said: “My understanding is that the Bye Laws for Minerstown beach have been ongoing for a number of years and were advertised in the local press for awareness. There is no doubt that the sea life in the Minerstown beach area needs to be protected and measures should be enforced to do so.
“What local residents have highlighted to me, is that their real concern that local tourism in the area is being obstructed, and vehicles will start to park along the main road and cause it to become a one-lane system. Rights-of-way are also are under threat and will not be accessible for users if blocked by private property owners. The Council holds rights on the shore.
“Local residents are right to be concerned around the implications the new Bye-Laws will have on their home and also the local area. When I went to meet with them, I was greeted by over forty local residents who wanted to share their concerns for what is and will be happening at Minerstown beach.
“A local man who has lived in the area for over 70 years has said that the rights- of-way have always been in place and the plans for the current access points will remove a legacy of access to the beach.”
Councillor Sharvin added: “While on site, I counted over 20 cars accessing the beach due to the good weather and at least another 20 who drove on because of the sign. One elderly lady said to me that the access is key for her to both enjoy the beach and walk her dog, as Tyrella beach does not permit dogs.
“This does not only impact on local residents and local visitors, it also impacts on local horse trainers and riders who will not be allowed to access the beach area fully between 1 April and 31 November.
“Local residents want reassurance that both rights-of-way will stay in place, that Council will provide adequate parking in the area for those that want to use Minerstown beach rather than creating a road safety hazard by making drivers park on the road, and to create and improve pathways on the beach for users.”
An official request to the Council from local residents has been handed to Marie Ward, Director of Enterprise Regeneration and Tourism, for the Council to legally clarify that the two access points are legal rights-of-way.
The Council Bye Laws on Minerstown Beach:
* http://www.downdc.gov.uk/Online-Documents/Byelaws-for-Minerstown-and-Murlough-Beaches.aspx
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