First multi-agency meeting focusing on the Quoile
Home / First multi-agency meeting focusing on the Quoile

First multi-agency meeting focusing on the Quoile

Date: 22 November 2022

Category: General News

Read: 5min Read

The first multi-agency meeting to address concerns at the river Quoile was held today, 22nd November 2022.

Chaired by Councillor Gareth Sharvin, the meeting was attended by representatives of Clean up the Quoile, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Inland Fisheries at DAERA, Northern Ireland Water, Alliance, SDLP and Quoile Angling Club.

The meeting discussed positive improvements through infrastructure work relating to disabled angling, weed removal, scheduled water tests, and monitoring. Additionally the meeting got an overview of new proposed disabled angling areas, replaced steps, access improvements at Jane Shore, an on-site meeting with NI Water and additionally tests by NIEA.
This is only the beginning and a partnership that will continue to grow for positive outcomes in the Quoile area.

The water quality and lack of ‘flow’ at the river was top of the agenda with a number of actions taken away by some agencies, including a site meeting between NI Water and Clean up the Quoile group.

Inland fisheries were congratulated for their recent installation of disabled fishing stands at the floodgates and Quoile Pondage – and everyone welcomed news that more were being planned.

Environment campaigner and Alliance party member. Cadogan Enright (cllr) provided an update on the Quoile River Walk Extension, which will restore footpath access along the Ulster Way, connecting Strangford, Killyleagh and Downpatrick. A feasibility study is complete and an environmental report is to be commissioned.

GET INVOLVED
Please continue to share your feedback, photos and videos of the quoile with us. We use your information to inform our ongoing conversations to improve sustainable recreational access to the river, improve water quality and boost biodiversity.