Budget Set and Contractor to be Appointed for Camlough Lake Recreational Hub

Camlough Lake is set for “full delivery” of a major water activity development supported by £2.8m of UK Levelling Up funds.

Plans for the Camlough Lake Recreational Hub were launched in 2024, with outdoor activities a key part of the designs.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) strategy, policy and resources committee agreed to appoint a contractor and signed off a budget on 12 June.

Committee chairperson, Oonagh Hanlon, in open session said: ”It was agreed to appoint a contractor to provide full delivery of Camlough Lake Recreational Hub facility, subject to attaining all statutory approvals and finalisation of land acquisition.

“And to allocate funding to the report within the capital plan of the officer’s report.”

Funding for the project has been supported by the UK Government, Levelling up Fund with £2.8m awarded in October 2023, according to the ‘Gov.UK website. The council is due to contribute its own costs above that spend.

None of this week’s committee reports were made available to the public or media with the discussions held in confidential session.

However, the council has previously made it public that the project seeks to offer a range of facilities including a single story, multi-use building, outdoor space with external showers, changing facilities, slipway an jetty, kayak storage, picnic areas and enhanced parking provision.  There is also a new pedestrian access linked to the existing lake footway.