Cranfield Beach

The Fisheries Local Action Group approved scheme at Cranfield enabled Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to enhance one of its main beaches ensuring  users have an even better experience whenever they visit the site. The works have resulted in an upgrade to the children’s play park with new adult fitness equipment; installation of new pathways; erection of fencing; and the provision of entrance feature signage and interpretation panels in line with the Mourne Coastal Route branding.

As well as the above, separate works at the site included installing rock armour along the beach front. The Fisheries Local Action Group recognised that by enhancing the facility at Cranfield Beach, Kilkeel would reap the benefits of greater visitor numbers whilst increasing the potential spend of tourists in the fishing dependent community.

Chairperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Naomi Bailie, welcomed this investment by stating that she has seen “the real value that the South East Area European Fisheries Funding has had in 2 of our important coastal recreational facilities. Both schemes have brought significant enhancements to the quality of the user and visitor experience, and the range of activities that are now on offer at both sites. The Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel and Cranfield Beach are both located in unique settings, and together they have the potential to impact on the health and well-being of those who live in the fishing dependant community and surrounding areas.”