Carlingford Lough sets sail for marine tourism growth
22 July 2008
A vibrant destination for sailing and tourism, scenic Carlingford Lough is set to welcome growing numbers of visiting leisure sailors and mariners, thanks to a series of marine infrastructure enhancements completed in the area. The three-year programme of work was part of a cross-border project delivered by Newry & Mourne District Council in partnership with Louth County Council. The Carlingford Lough Cross-border Development project attracted European Union funding support of £672,800 through the INTERREG IIIA Programme, jointly managed for the Special EU Programmes Body, by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Ireland).
The programme focused on developing and enhancing marine facilities along the shores of Carlingford Lough, on both sides of the border. Its key achievements include:
• information panels at points on both sides of the Lough to highlight the facilities of the nearby towns or villages.
• new mooring and slipway facilities on the Rostrevor foreshore
• improved access and mooring facilities for pleasure craft at Greer’s Pier.
• the extension of Omeath Pier to enable its use at all tidal points,
• new navigation buoys facilitating leisure craft sailing along Carlingford Lough.
• The automation of the lock gates at Victoria Lock to improve access between the Lough and the freshwater Newry canal
• Carlingford harbour facilities were enhanced with the provision of fenders, access ladders and additional tie rings
Commenting on the joint Council project, Mayor of Newry & Mourne District Council, Councillor Colman Burns said: “Each of the Councils recognises the importance of local partnership and each has always taken a great pride in the protection and preservation of Carlingford Lough. This project is a great example of successful cross-border partnership in action.”
Councillor Declan Breathnach, Chairman of Louth County Council, added: “We were delighted to avail of the funding made available to the project through the INTERREG IIIA programme. I have no doubt the Lough infrastructure enhancements will be of benefit to the increasing numbers of visitors to the Carlingford Lough area both by sea and land.”
Speaking on behalf of the Special EU Programmes Body, Chief Executive Pat Colgan said: “The achievements made by this INTERREG project team demonstrate in a practical way how challenges caused by the existence of borders can be overcome by people working together for the benefit of everyone. The success of this project is an excellent example of EU monies making a real difference at a local level and providing a long-term legacy of improvements for our region.”
Michael McCabe, a member of Carlingford Sailing Club in County Louth, confirms that enhanced opportunities are now available to all boat users. He said: “Sailors now have the unique opportunity of enjoying in one journey both sea sailing and via the Victoria Lock, unhindered freshwater cruising to the Albert Basin in Newry City. It’s a lovely trip, with tremendous scenery on both sides. Plus, the enhanced facilities make it particularly attractive to spend a few nights in the area.”
A marketing campaign by both partner Councils is underway to promote the attractions of the Lough area.
Michelle Boyle, Tourism Development Officer with Newry & Mourne District Council, believes this promotion, that included taking stands at both the London and Dublin Boat Shows, is starting to pay off. “A lot of vibrancy has been created. We are seeing a considerable increase in marine activity in the Lough. There are a lot more boats and visitors coming from the North of England and the rest of the UK, from Northern Irish Sailing Clubs, and from other parts of the Republic of Ireland.”
Local people too are enjoying the benefits. For example, members of the two sailing clubs based on either side of the Lough now take part in regular cross-border racing events.
“Instead of the Lough being a divide, it’s now a conduit for people coming together,” Michael McCabe reflected.
For further information contact:
Newry & Mourne District Council – Tel: +44 (0)28 3031 3170. Email: newrytic@newryandmourne.gov.uk
Louth County Council – Tel: 00 353 42 9335484 Web: www.carlingford.ie