Motion to establish Moorlough working group is agreed

A MOTION passed at the latest meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council has seen a commitment to establishing a working group to examine and maximise the ‘untapped potential’ of Moorlough.

Brought to council by Sinn Fein’s Paul Boggs, the proposal aims to build on the progress already achieved at the local amenity. An area of local beauty, Moorlough has been the source of underdevelopment in recent years and there have been regular reports of anti-social behaviour, which has seen vital life-saving equipment stolen or damaged. In addition, the state of the road surrounding the lough features terrible surface conditions, including numerous potholes. However, a resurfacing tender went out in May and it is hoped that the pathway surrounding the lough will soon be restored.

Following the motion, Cllr Boggs said, “Moorlough is a gem of a natural asset on our doorstep.

“My colleagues Maolíosa McHugh MLA and former councillor, Dan Kelly had previously secured improvements to the amenity, including successfully lobbying DAERA to provide an asphalt shavings surface, creating a basic road surface around most of the 1.8 km route of the lough. This was done in order to enhance accessibility. A contract for further much needed maintenance work to the perimeter surface is now also pending.”

Explaining the reasoning behind establishing the working group, Cllr Boggs continued, “To build on this progress… It calls for the establishment of a working group to initiate multi-agency engagement to work towards the maximising of Moorlough’s untapped potential for leisure, sport and tourism purposes.

“I believe that this focused and collaborative approach provides the best opportunity to secure the necessary additional investment and facilities needed to make this happen. I wish to thank my fellow councillors for supporting my motion and look forward to this working group getting up and running as quickly as possible.”