Newry, Mourne and Down Council agreed, on Thursday night, to purchase land at Camlough Lake to enable the multi-million pound development of a recreational hub.
The Council had lodged plans back in May and the decision to purchase the required land is another step towards the state-of-the-art development becoming a reality.
The project will offer a range of facilities including a single story, multi-use building; outdoor space with external showers; changing facilities; slipway and jetty; kayak storage; picnic areas and enhanced parking provision.
Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin councillor, Declan Murphy, was delighted at the decision taken in Thursday night’s Strategy Policy & Resources Committee meeting.
“Council had secured £2.8 million funding via the levelling up funding for Camlough lake for a water sports project,” he explained.
“Recently our Council officers have been engaging with the Electricity Service and a private landowner to acquire additional lands deemed necessary to progress this project.
“Council has now agreed to purchase these sites from the landowners. This is very welcome news and a significant development.”
Investment in 2017 by the Council and NI Water to enhance safety features has provided an improved amenity.
Since then, the Council has been working in close partnership with facility users and the local community to create a resource that will provide important services and cater to a wide range of visitors including general lake users, event participants and organisers.
“The vision we have all shared is now close to becoming a reality,” Councillor Murphy continued.
“Delivering this project has been a priority for Sinn Féin and we will continue to work with all other groups to deliver this for the community.
“Sinn Fein is committed to developing the tourism potential of South Armagh, to boost our economy and help create jobs, and the Camlough Lake Water Hub is be a key part in this goal.”
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