Capital works to develop better access to Strangford Lough by developing and improving its waterway ‘infrastructure’.
Funded under Axis 3, through Down Rural Area Partnership, the project completed the capital works in regard to the installation of additional Aids to Navigation at pre-defined locations and capital works associated with the piloting of the speed buoy system on Strangford Lough.
Whilst the installation of the navigation markers was primarily aimed at the welfare of local and visiting recreation users, the project assisted in providing mechanisms for routing recreational craft away from some of the more sensitive sites on the Lough, such as pladdies and sheltered waters that might support common seals or terns hunting for small fish. It is predicted that the number of boat visitors on the Lough rise significantly over the next few years.