Concerns raised over Council's decision to remove Warrenpoint pontoon

A Co Down pontoon’s pending removal has raised visitor and emergency service concerns amid a secret council decision on the 50-year-old floating walkway.

A contract had been signed in December 2021 by the local authority to repair the pontoon close to Warrenpoint Harbour Authority.

However, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee has agreed for its removal during a confidential session away from the media and public view.

In open session, committee chairperson Oonagh Hanlon said: “On Warrenpoint pontoon and breakwater, on the proposal of Councillor Mickey Ruane and seconded by Councillor Terry Andrews it was agreed to approve the removal of the pontoon and breakwater.

“And to progress the provision of access to the water at Carlingford Lough through the Shared Island project, to renew the licence for pedestrian access to the breakwater promenade subject to WHA agreeing to carry out the necessary inspection surveys and repairs to the high wall. Council will continue to engage with all stakeholders in relation to this item.”

The current pontoon is understood to have been constructed in the early 1970s. The future plans for public access to the water were not made known in the open chamber, but it is understood to include plans for a network of trails and water access points.

Concerned reaction to the pontoon removal has surfaced on Facebook social media posts on ‘What’s The Point?’ reading: “This pontoon is used for not only commercial and recreational use, but is used for the emergency services with the Coastguard and Lifeboat using this.

“In the event of a significant or traumatic incident the pier can be shut off allowing access to the water away from the eye-shot of the public.”

Other posts noted the use of the pontoon by mariners during ship movement as well as owners of visiting boats.

Another post highlighted the confidential nature of the decision with a lack of transparency to local people.

It read: “I would appreciate notification of their (Newry, Mourne and Down District Council) justification for such proposed removal as this pontoon is widely used by leisure craft and the towns kids – denying both must be difficult to justify, especially when NMDDC have many larger problems (including their own offices) that ratepayers seek answers for.”