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Builders for a major £4.6m Camlough Lake water sport facility have been approved to begin developing a “game changer” for the community.
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The Camlough Lake recreational hub design was approved by the council’s planning committee in February with early images now released ahead of construction.
In a significant step forward in the decade old vision, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Strategy, Policy and Resources committee has now signed off on preferred contractors behind closed doors away from the public and media.
In open session, committee chairperson Oonagh Hanlon said: “It was agreed to progress the appointment of the preferred contractors to delivery the Camlough Lake recreational hub facility subject to completion of the standstill period”
A standstill period is a legal requirement providing for a short pause between the point when a contract award decision is notified to bidders, and the final contract conclusion, during which time suppliers can challenge the decision.
The development has been mooted from 2017 in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The water hub at Camlough Lake will enhance facilities for existing users, support outdoor sport and recreation, boost tourism within the Ring of Gullion AONB and deliver accessible, year-round community space.
An elected member has revealed his first hand experience of using the lake currently being limited with the new facility welcomed as an all inclusive hub.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Slieve Gullion councillor Declan Murphy said: “It is fantastic news that the project is moving on, it is a massive local investment of almost £5m into the area.
“This is really going to be a game changer for Camlough Lake and the south Armagh area.
“I am a user of the lake and I know at this time everything we use is currently stored in containers some distance away which need to be carried to the lake for use.
“We also have no changing facilities or toilets.
“This will really open up the lake to people including those with a disability and I look forward to the contractors getting on site to progress the hub as soon as possible.”
