Plans submitted for recreational hub at Camlough Lake

Left to right: Jordan McCully, TB&A; Rachel Aitcheson, Todd Architects; Catherine Murphy, Camlough Lake User Group; Des Murphy, Camlough Lake User Group; Valarie Harte, Chairperson NMDDC; Michelle Boyle, NMDDC; Councillor Declan Murphy; Sarah McDowell, Resolve Planning; Conor McCallion, Gleeds.

A planning application has been submitted for a long-awaited recreational hub at Camlough Lake.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council say they view the Lake as a “key recreational resource” within the district, providing access to a range of water-based activities.

The creation of the proposed facility would lead to a range of facilities being offered, including a single story, multiuse building; outdoor space with external showers; changing facilities; slipway and jetty; kayak storage; picnic areas and enhanced parking provision. There is also a new pedestrian access linked to the existing lake footway.

The amenity has improved since investment in 2017 by the Council and NI Water to enhance safety features. 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.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Valarie Harte said, “The submission of a planning application is a further step forward to develop new recreational facilities at Camlough Lake, which is an important recreational resource for the future.

“The Council has recently completed a public and online consultation, which was well received, and provided beneficial feedback to the design. The Council is looking forward to progressing this project with the local community and user groups.”

Funding for this project has been provided by the UK Government, Levelling up Fund and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.