A multi-million pound investment in a new recreational hub at Camlough Lake has secured planning approval.
The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council project will provide water and non-water based activities, including a single storey multi-use building, outdoor space with external showers, changing facilities, a slipway and floating pontoon, kayak storage and picnic areas, enhanced parking provision and events and exhibition space.
There will also be vehicular turning and separate bus and car parking areas, with upgrades for the Newtown Road with a new vehicle access track and separate pedestrian pathways linking it with the new hub.
Planning approval for the new £4.6 million hub, which also features a landscaping scheme, boundary fencing, drainage system and site works, was confirmed by the Council’s Planning Committee on 25 February.
Following investment in 2017 by the Council and NI Water to enhance safety features at Camlough Lake, the Council has been working in 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.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Philip Campbell said, “Securing planning approval for the new recreational hub in one of the most stunning locations in our district is good news for Camlough and the wider South Armagh area.
“This is a significant investment in a multi-use, cultural and sporting facility that will be popular with residents and visitors alike. It will add to our tourism offering and provide a timely boost for our economy.
“The site layout, building design, associated infrastructure and landscaping arrangements are of a high quality and will assist the promotion of sustainability and diversity,” Cllr Campbell continued.
The Council Chairperson said the investment in the new hub will also provide physical, social and economic benefits.
“Planners are content that the proposed new recreational hub not only represents a significant investment in Camlough Lake but, through the balancing of environmental, economic and social matters and necessary mitigation, will provide a sustainable development for this part of South Armagh,” said Cllr Campbell.
“The new recreational hub is an exciting development we can all be proud of and further evidence of the Council’s continued investment right across the district.”
Ahead of the formal planning application being lodged, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council completed public and online consultation, which provided feedback to the design team and worked alongside local community and user groups.
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