Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

HOPE FOR SEAGHAN

Published: 17 July, 2009

Armagh Sinn Féin councillor Mary Doyle recently met with the Chief Executive and officials of the Armagh City and District council to discuss how best to progress the development of the Seaghan Dam. The meeting which took place on the 11th February was held to enhance the area as a place of relaxation with the development of walkways for the people of the area to use. It was agreed to implement signage to highlight the flora and fona of the area and also focus on the fishing in the dam.

Cllr Doyle said,

"Previously a plan was put forward in order to develop Seaghan Dam with nature walkways. There was also a consultation with the Water Service, Angling Club, Forestry Service, the local community organisation and with the local Primary school who were going to add a program of work into their curriculum regarding this issue.

"Unfortunately due to high levels of bureaucracy and indecisiveness, the funding was lost before the program could begin. This meant that the people of the area and the children of the local school could not avail of an enhanced beauty spot in which to relax and learn.

"On the 3rd March, Armagh City and District Council wrote to the Culture Minister, Gregory Campbell asking for his support on the issue. When I asked officials in the council for an update on the issue, I was informed that although a second letter was written to Minister Campbell, to date he has not replied.

Cllr Doyle said that although she is delighted to say that on the 17th June the DRD Minister Conor Murphy's Private Secretary replied to council, stating that he is willing to meet Ms Doyle and council officials to discuss the possibility of the proposed scheme at Seaghan, there are no guarantees of success.

"I will continue to lobby the appropriate agencies on this issue."