Co Down residents reassured over Blue Flag coast pollution concerns

Newry, Mourne and Down has signed off on a new NIW pumping station amid sea discharge concerns.

Concerned residents of a Co Down coastline recognised for world class water quality have been reassured it will not be damaged by a new NI Water sewage pump, according to a Mournes councillor.

Newry,Mourne and Down District Council’s planning committee delayed its decision for the Annalong pumping station in July, due to concerns objectors’ voices were not being heard.

However, the NI Water application was signed off at the recent August committee without scrutiny in chambers following an 11th-hour meeting between concerned residents and the applicant.

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Deputy planning chairperson Glyn Hanna spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. He said: “I has asked for the decision to be deferred in July as the objectors had contacted me to say they could not make the planning committee meeting at short notice to raise their concerns.

“Before this month’s planning committee I was able to help organise a meeting between the residents and NIW when all environmental and community concerns were addressed.

“There were concerns about potential discharge and smells, but the residents were given assurances from NIW on the modern pumping station. I do believe that the pumping station will be for the greater good of the people of Annalong.”

The waste water facility was then put on the planning committee’s addendum list, which allowed it to be approved without any discussion or debate in chambers.

The Annalong coastline is located between the popular Blue Flag beaches of Cranfield to the south as well as Murlough and Tyrella to the North.

The Blue Flag is well known as one of the world’s most recognised international awards for beaches and marinas. There had been 24 letters of objection to the Annalong pumping station over fears potential discharge of waste water on the Shore Road could affect tourism at the nearby beach area.

The application had been recommended for approval by council officers.

Objection letters on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal identify shared concerns of the local community and tourists alike.

One letter stated: “It will deter tourists and visitors, such as myself. I am concerned about impacts such as odour. I am also concerned about the impact of an overflow pipe being constructed on the beach and associated discharges that will go into the sea. I believe this will spoil the look of the natural landscape, and will have a damaging environmental impact.”

NIW has stated on the NI Planning Portal that the pumping station upgrade is required to “prevent pollution and ensure public safety”.

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