A NUMBER of local politicians have
added their voices to concerns that a
barrier close to the mouth of the
Shimna River is on the brink of
collapse.
Speaking out in support of local anglers who,
in last week’s edition raised concerns that the
weir, which is close to Castle Bridge, has been
undermined, the elected representatives have
echoed Shimna Angling Club’s worries that
should the barrier collapse it will have
disastrous consequences for the river, and its
associated tourism-related factors.
Within just three weeks, the stretch of
waterway in question has worsened on a daily
basis.
Last week, measurements showed that at
each low tide, the river level was dropping by 18
inches.
The matter was discussed at length by many
of the club’s 125 members when they met for
their annual general meeting last week.
Outgoing chairman, Ed Kilgore MBE,
reiterated the fact the waterway is designated an
Area of Special Scientific Interest and that he
and other club officials would continue to pursue
elected representatives and a number of other
bodies to see who has responsibility for carrying
out the urgent repairs.
Following last week’s AGM the club’s new
chairman, Denis O’Flaherty, Mr Kilgore – who
has been appointed as vice-president – a number
of other club officials and members held a site
meeting to carry out further visual assessments.
This was further followed up, on Monday, with
a meeting between South Down MP Chris
Hazzard, Mr O’Flaherty and Mr Kilgore, again at
the site, so they could show the Westminster
representative the extent of the damage which
has already occurred.
In the week since raising their concerns
through their local paper, the angling club have
now also had contact from Colin McGrath MLA
and four local councillors. They have also
reached out to Andrew Muir, the Stormont
Minister in charge of the Department of
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
However, the club says one thing that comes
to the fore is the apparent difficulty, or
reluctance, to ascertain who has responsibility
for the weir, and carrying out the relevant
repairs.
Officials are also concerned that the longer it
takes to pinpoint who has responsibility, then
there is more chance the weir will collapse.
They have also reiterated their concerns that
should the water levels lessen further and
further, then odours, in particular in warmer
weather, will begin emanating from the river,
which includes a boating pond at Castle Park.
Speaking after meeting with club officials on
Monday, Chris Hazzard MP issued a statement,
confirming he has asked both the Department
for Infrastructure, which is in charge of rivers,
and the district council to “quickly assess the
worsening condition of the weir at Castle Bridge
to ensure that this vital piece of infrastructure
on the Shimna River is restored appropriately.”
He continued: “The deteriorating condition of
the weir is visibly having a detrimental impact
on both the boating pond and the dyke, which
will in time become increasingly stagnant with
mud and debris as the breach in the weir drains
the Shimna River quicker than intended.
“Given the significant tourism value of the
amenity, it is important this issue is dealt with
quickly ahead of the busy visitor season,” added
Mr Hazzard.
In addition, Cllr Jill Truesdale has called on
the Rivers Agency to assist council in repairing
the collapsing weir and to exercise its statutory
obligations in keeping watercourses clear and
unimpeded.
Having requested a site visit “to discuss a way
forward and possible temporary works with
Rivers and council until more permanent works
can take place”, Ms Truesdale has warned that,
as the weir continues to collapse and the
riverbed on the other side of the bridge
continues to be exposed, “we are facing two
events of great significance.”
The first, she explained, will be the adverse
effects on salmon and sea trout not being able to
reach their destination and the second will be “a
highly noxious smell” from the riverbed.
“We are on the cusp of Easter, and our visitor
numbers will increase greatly, if this is not
quickly fixed the whole area will become very
unpleasant,” she warned.
