DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

May 30, 2000
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New quay facilities launched at Gawley's Gate

A new quay development at Gawley's Gate with facilities for up to 20 boats was officially opened today by the Mayor of Craigavon, Dolores Kelly. The project provides a new quay and slipway and is aimed at encouraging water based tourism on Lough Neagh as well as providing facilities for the indigenous fishing industry.

Gawley's Gate Quay was developed by the Aghagallon Aghalee Partnership, a cross community organisation bringing together the two villages on the shore of the lough. The project is one of a series of six quays being developed along the southern and western shores of the Lough as part of the Loughshores Area Based Strategy's Quay Development Programme. The event was attended by Brid Rodgers, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Martin McDonald, Chief Executive of the Rural Development Council.

The project represents a total investment of almost £190,000 and attracted support from a wide range of funders including the International Fund for Ireland, the Rural Development Council, Craigavon District Partnership, Craigavon Borough Council, Craigavon Rural Development, Rivers Agency, the Loughshores Area Based Strategy and the Ulster Wildlife Trust.

"It shows just what a local community can do when they get together and work hard" said Dolores Kelly, Mayor of Craigavon launching the new quay. "Local people and tourists will benefit a great deal from this development and the promoters have already got plans for further works to build on this success".

Speaking at her first official event since the restoration of devolution, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Brid Rodgers commented,

"This is an excellent example of local people and funders working in partnership to bring about the regeneration of rural communities. Providing as it does facilities for fishing and leisure traffic, this project addresses the existing and emerging economies of the area and helps create conditions for maximising the potential of Lough Neagh."

Martin McDonald, Chief Executive of the Rural Development Council added his support for the quay development.

"This project plays a significant role in helping to sustain the fishing communities in the area. The Aghagallon Aghalee Partnership is to be commended for this initiative which will also provide opportunities for tourism."