Action Plan Launched To Promote Strangford Lough

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has launched an action plan focused on promoting and improving the heritage and role of Strangford Lough within Northern Ireland.

The 'Heritage Management Strategy and Action Plan’ for Strangford Lough and Lecale will seek to encourage interest in the area and its benefits to the local and broader community.

"Promoting our heritage and recognising the central role of local people in managing and communicating the landscape, heritage buildings and wildlife is a priority within the Strategy, which has been produced by the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP)," a statement from the Department of the Environment said.

Speaking at the launch, Environment Minister Durkan said: "Strangford Lough and the Lecale area are highlights among the North’s rich tapestry. Though the natural and built heritage of this area are protected by many statutory designations, it will still take real commitment from all concerned to care for all the heritage into the future.

"The photography used in the Strategy document is inspired by the many wonders of the rich and diverse marine life, the spectacular numbers of coastal birds, the enchanting drumlin and island landscape, the lovely coastal wildflowers and the marvellous built heritage and archaeology. It encourages everyone to play a part in looking after our heritage for ourselves and for future generations.

"I commend the work of Down District Council, Ards Borough Council, my own Department and the Advisory Committee of stakeholders that form the Partnership. Their work with other authorities and the public to develop a shared vision of heritage excellence for the benefit of people’s health, well-being and prosperity in the long term has been tremendous."

Mayor of Ards Borough Council, Councillor Steven McIlveen, said: "Strangford Lough is a body of water that provides some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country, an ecological haven and a place which has had significant influence on our social and economic past, present and, of course, future. Balancing the needs of diverse, and sometime competing, elements is no easy task but is greatly aided by this new strategy which provides a very clear direction of travel towards both preserving the broad-based heritage of the Lough and ensuring that it remains a place where we can live and work, build lives and businesses, where others can visit, and where we can all enjoy our leisure time."

(IT)