Kilkeel - Newry and Mourne District Council

CONTENTS 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

2.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS 

3.0 APPRAISALS 

4.0 THE WAY FORWARD 

5.0 PROPOSALS 

6.0 ACTION PLAN – REALISING THE VISION 

APPENDICES

Kilkeel Strategic Development Framework March 2004 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Brief 

Ferguson McIlveen LLP was commissioned by Newry and Mourne District Council under the 

sponsorship of the Department for Social Development in June 2003 to help formulate a strategic 

development framework for the central area of Kilkeel. During the course of the study the 

consultants reported to a steering group comprising Councillors and Council Officials, Planning 

Service and the Department for Social Development. A public consultation exercise formed a large 

part of the plan preparation process. Consultations were held with local businesses, community 

groups, the general public and statutory bodies. 

The brief sought the following: 

- identification of derelict and underused sites 

- schemes that would regenerate Kilkeel 

- improve transportation infrastructure 

- promotion of high quality urban environment for events 

- assess impact of decline of traditional industries 

- support of local people and businesses 

- focus on peace and reconciliation 

1.2 Background of Kilkeel 

Named after the 13 th century church in the town centre, references to Kilkeel date back as far as the 

11 th century. Located on the south east coast of Co.Down, the town is widely known as the capital 

of the Ancient Kingdom of Mourne. Enclosed by the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, Kilkeel is 

only accessible by 3 roads, the A2 from Newcastle to the north, Warrenpoint and Newry to the 

west and Rathfriland to the north along the B27. The town centre comprises of a mass of narrow 

winding streets and many old buildings. 

The main industries of agriculture and fishing provide most of the local population, 5,500 in 1991, 

with employment. Kilkeel is home to the largest and best equipped fishing fleet in Northern Ireland. 

This has led to the growth of the harbour and its surrounding area, housing a number of fish and 

prawn processing plants. Other industries include Granite exportation, which has reduced in size of 

recent years and the worldwide exportation of toughened glass. 

In 1991 the Kilkeel Development Association was created, aiming to tackle the visible economic and 

physical decline of the town. It has promoted the award winning beach at Cranfield and the Nautilus 

Centre, which illustrates how the fishing industry operates within the town. This venture has been 

relatively successful with the population almost doubling with the summer months. 

1.3 Policy Context 

a. Regional Development Strategy 2025 

Kilkeel, although, not mentioned in detail by the Regional Development Strategy 2025, is recognised 

as an area of particular rural disadvantage. A Rural Community Regeneration Project is to be 

implemented in the area. This will probably be focused around the towns main industry of fishing, 

following the guidance of RNI 1.4: Maintain a viable fishing industry in Northern Ireland. This policy aims 

to assist the development of an efficient and sustainable commercial sea fisheries sector and related 

infrastructure; and to stimulate investment in the aquaculture sector with minimal environmental 

impact. The strategy through various policies aims to support smaller towns, making them more 

sustainable, such as SPG-RNI 3: support the network of service centres based on main towns, small towns 

and villages in Rural Northern Ireland. This policy aims to develop a network of strong main towns as 

the major locations providing employment, services and a range of cultural and leisure amenities for 

both townspeople and rural communities. ENV 3.3: Conserve the character of cities, towns and villages 

will control and manage development within settlements, emphasising local identity and sense of 

place; and encouraging the retention of locally important buildings and features. 

Huge expansion has occurred in Kilkeel, since 1950. The agricultural land between the harbour and 

town centre, stretching from Manse Road to Rooney Road, has been developed for housing 

development and a large recreational area has been created along the seafront. Accessed by Mourne 

Esplanade and Knockchree Avenue, where the Court House and Market House once stood. Within 

the town itself many facilities have closed down, namely the Royal Hotel, Mourne Cinema and 

Kilmorey Primary School has been relocated from The Square. 

b. Mourne Area Plan 1984-1999 

Kilkeel was expected to remain the dominant settlement within the plan area for the duration of the 

plan. Land was zoned for 750 new dwellings to accommodate the steadily increasing population, 

these sites provided a variety of settings, where imaginative and spacious developments were 

strongly encouraged. Prior to housing development west of the town, improvements would be 

required to foul sewerage and drainage facilities. A ‘policy zone’ was implemented between Newry 

Road and Scrogg Road discouraging immediate development in this area, providing a land bank for 

the future. An easily accessible town park was proposed adjacent to the Little Kilkeel River and a 

Ferguson McIlveen LLP in association with Mentor Page No. 1


larger open space on Kitty’s Road. Within the harbour, 10.6-hectares was allocated to industry, 

encouraging the ongoing concentration of the land use in this area. 

The plan identified congestion and vehicle/pedestrian conflict as the main problem within the town 

centre, worsening during the tourist season. This had recently been partially alleviated through the 

improvement of the junction at Newry Street, Greencastle Street and The Square. The plan 

proposes to further improve traffic circulation by constructing a new road, linking Greencastle 

Street and Newry Street, which should also provide more car parking to the rear of commercial 

buildings. The plan’s prime aim for the town centre was to protect and enhance its attractiveness 

and viability, directing Kilkeel towards a more efficient and convenient centre. 

Area Plan, once published, will be the main policy tool through which these proposals will be 

implemented. 

c. Banbridge, Newry and Mourne Area Plan Issue Paper 2015 

Kilkeel has grown over past years but not to the extent projected by the Mourne Area Plan 1984- 

1999. By August 2000, 300 dwellings were complete, just under half the anticipated. This plan 

recognises the continuing instability of the fishing industry, and will encourage Kilkeel to alternative 

employment opportunities for the future. The plan will reassess all undeveloped land within the 

town development limit, and consider the requirement for additional industrial land, which may no 

longer be concentrated on the harbour area. 

1.4 Purpose of the Strategic Development Framework 

This Framework Document has been commissioned by Newry and Mourne District Council to draw 

together local opinion as to how Kilkeel should be shaped in the future and has been prepared in 

conjunction with local community groups and businesses. The consultation process identified the 

strengths and weaknesses in Kilkeel and opportunities to build on these strengths to make the town 

a more vibrant place to live, work and visit. The document deals with issues such as urban design, 

vehicle movement, parking, development constraints and poor environmental quality and suggests 

actions and ideas to rectify current problems. These actions are then prioritised and funding sources 

are identified. 

The brief called for the Framework is to be forward looking and visionary and some of the 

recommendations may be viewed as contentious. However, they are intended to generate debate 

and initiate constructive thinking about the future of the town. It is intended to act as a framework 

to guide potential investors and developers as well as being the Council’s submission to Planning 

Service by way of input into the preparation of the Banbridge/ Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015. 

The proposals, actions and recommendations within this Document will be further investigated by 

Planning Service, who may or may not incorporate them within the forthcoming Area Plan. The 



2.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS 

In preparing this Framework document, the consultants carried out extensive consultations with 

local community groups, businesses and the general public. Meetings were held during July 2003 with 

each of these groups, who were also encouraged to complete questionnaires. In addition, flyers 

were distributed to doctor’s surgeries and other public places in the town, which sought the 

opinions of local people. Detailed results of the consultations are contained within the Appendix to 

this document. The following list gives an account of the consultation exercise. 

a. Initial meeting and walkabout held with KDA representative to establish key issues. 

b. Questionnaires – Carried out by Mentor Economic Development Ltd. 4 Community 

questionnaires were returned and of the 151 questionnaires distributed to businesses in Kilkeel 

and Warrenpoint, 37 were returned. In addition 41 flyers were returned. The results are 

contained in Appendix 1. 

c. Consultation Meetings – details of the date and time were advertised in local newspapers asking 

local people to come along and express their views on what they wanted for the future of 

Kilkeel. The community consultation meeting was held on the 9 th July and 6 members of the 

public attended and the trader consultation meeting was held on the 13 th August when 7 local 

traders attended. 

d. Public Exhibition – following the initial consultations and analysis of the questionnaires, the 

consultants prepared draft proposals. These proposals were published in the local newspapers 

following a press launch on 8 th December 2003. Readers were encouraged to view the proposals, 

which were on display in the Kilkeel Leisure Centre from 15 th December to 24 th December and 

complete a questionnaire, which sought their views on the proposals. The results of this 

questionnaire are contained in Appendix 2. A public meeting was held in the leisure centre on 

16 th December, during which opinions on the proposals were aired. 

e. District Electoral Area Meeting – a meeting was held with local Councillors on 13 th January 2004 

with a view to obtaining final approval on the proposals. 

f. Full Council Approval – the final version of the Framework was presented to and approved at a 

meeting of the full Council on 8th March 2004. 



3.0 APPRAISALS 

3.1 Townscape Appraisal 

The main commercial development in Kilkeel is concentrated along Greencastle Street and The 

Square, stretching along Bridge Street and Newcastle Street. The town centre is almost completely 

enclosed by residential development, this is compounded by the in fill developments occurring 

behind Bridge Street to the north and south. Industry has been confined to the outskirts of the town 

and around the harbour. Vacant properties are evident throughout the town however these become 

more prevalent towards the edge of the initial commercial centre. Five opportunity sites have been 

identified by the study all but one is to the south of the town centre. The most critical are those 

located at The Square and the other adjoins the Little Kilkeel River. 

The Townscape Analysis sketch below summarises the key urban design issues that this study will 

seek to address. The consultants noted these issues during site visits to Kilkeel. Combining these 

observations with the following SWOT analysis will build a picture as to the way forward for Kilkeel. 



3.2 SWOT 

The following list is compiled from the results of the consultations with traders, community groups and 

the general public 

a. Strengths 

- Location along coast and near the Mourne Mountains 

- Harbour home to Northern Irelands largest fishing fleet 

- Various employment opportunities within several industries 

- A effort has been made to restore key buildings 

- Large housing stock within the boundary of the settlement 

- A wide range of community facilities, supported by voluntary and community groups 

- Esplanade, beach and leisure centre provides an excellent recreational area incorporating the 

- Range of outdoor pursuits within close proximity; golf, tennis bowling, angling, scuba diving, sailing, 

walking 

- Good community and voluntary sectors 

b. Weaknesses 

- Kilkeel suffers from a sectarian image which is “strangling” the town – flags and graffiti, poor image 

and reputation. 

- There is no vibrancy to the town centre. It lacks a tourism culture and evening or weekend activity. 

- Poor bus station, which is not located centrally 

- Poor range and number of shops 

- No direct views or access to the higher peaks 

- Traffic congestion, especially at the Greencastle Street/ Newry Street junction 

- There is no niche market in Kilkeel that would attract visitors apart from the Harbour. The town 

lacks a main, special attraction. 

- There are very few events 

- Poor car parking facilities 

- There is limited accommodation and restaurant facilities 

- Lack of signage and poor accessibility around the town. Uses are not linked physically or visually. 

- Lack of town centre open space/ events space/ green space areas 

- The Square doesn’t function as such – not pedestrian friendly and poor buildings 

- River walk is a hostile and unattractive environment 

- Esplanade is detached from the main part of the town and is underused 

- Lack of knowledge of the presence of a beach by visitors and poor access to the beach 

c. Opportunities 

- Establish a neutral venue 

- Create a uniform surface throughout the town centre 

- Construct a multi-storey car park behind library 

- Install CCTV to reduce the rise in anti-social behaviour 

- Improve approaches into Kilkeel especially the roundabout at Safeway 

- Mourne “crios” walk - around the base of the Mournes with campsites at strategic locations 

- Construct a new bus depot and introduce a minibus service for public transport 

- Develop a Country Market, promoting the areas local produce 

- Enhance the river walk providing a stronger link between the harbour and town 

- Provide suitable facilities for smaller craft within the harbour 

- Improve the recreational area establishing a water based activities zone, better utilising the beach 

- Establish a coastal walk between Kilkeel and Newcastle 

- Create a more diverse employment base, taking the pressure off the fishing industry 

- Create new link road from Moor Road to the harbour 

- Promote Harbour and Esplanade as attractions 

- Development of land at the harbour for enterprise or workspace initiative 

d. Threats 

- Fishing industry falls further into decline 

- Continued presence of sectarian flags and graffiti 

- Failure to secure tourism and enhance Kilkeel’s role as Capital of the Kingdom of Mourne 

- Allowing the land along the Esplanade to continue as a wasted resource 

In summary, Kilkeel should be the ideal tourist destination, with its location on the coast and near the 

Mourne Mountains and it has a good beach and recreation facilities. From an employment point of view, 

it has a large and expanding fishing industry and land for other industrial uses. However, the town suffers 

from a sectarian image and lacks evening and weekend activity and special attractions. The streets are 

congested and access to and views of the mountains are limited. Tourist accommodation and restaurant 

facilities are also limited and the main elements of the town, namely the harbour, Square and Esplanade 

are not well linked. Opportunities exist to improve the town for tourism use by linking the Square with 

the Harbour and the beach and making use of the inner harbour, should the outer harbour development 

occur. New road proposals linked to development land could assist in bypassing the town centre and 

reducing the congestion, thus improving the environment. The following tables show how the 

weaknesses may be addressed and how the current strengths may be used to the advantage of the town. 



3.3 Converting Weaknesses to Strengths 

WEAKNESSESS 

Kilkeel suffers from a sectarian image, which is “strangling” the town – 

flags and graffiti, poor image and reputation. 

ACTION 

- Enter into negotiations with the relevant bodies to ensure flags are removed after the marching season 

- Encourage pride in appearance of town through improvement of frontages and streetscapes 

There is no vibrancy to the town centre. It lacks a tourism culture and 

evening or weekend activity 

- Extend the town centre and develop land to the rear of Bridge Street, along the river for residential, entertainment and office use. 

- Ensure Area Plan incorporates zoning in the Square and on Greencastle and Newcastle Streets that give positive consideration to 

proposals for entertainment, café/restaurant uses 

Poor bus station, which is not located centrally - Enter into discussions with Translink to relocate the bus station on a site off the Square 

- Establish a coastal/mountain bus route for tourists during the summer months 

Obvious dereliction and vacant properties - Improve the appearance of vacant properties by painting and installing window displays as an interim measure 

- Encourage redevelopment of rundown sites and buildings 

Despite its close proximity to the Mournes there is neither direct 

views or access to the higher peaks 

- Ensure future buildings in the town centre do not restrict views of the mountains and encourage the opening up views into the 

mountains from the town centre 

- Extend the River Walk into the mountains 

- Develop a bus link between the town and mountain walks 

Topography and narrow streets creates traffic congestion, especially - Establish a bypass from Greencastle Road to Newry Road in conjunction with development of land between. 

at the Greencastle Street/ Newry Street junction 

- Establish a new route for the HGV’s from the harbour to Moor Road 

- Construct a multi-storey car park to reduce the on street parking 

There are few events and insufficient events space. - Create an area for events space adjacent to the Square and in conjunction with the opening up of the connection of the river walk to the 

Square. 

Poor range and number of shops - Planning policy should ensure that future retail proposals are located within town centre 

- Zoning and policy within Area Plan to encourage development of under utilised sites 

- Relaxation of parking standards to allow for redevelopment for business use 



Converting Weaknesses to Strengths (continued) 

WEAKNESSESS 

Lack of signage and poor accessibility around the town. Uses are not 

linked physically or visually. 

ACTION 

- Create an improved linkage from the Square to the harbour via the river walk and from the harbour to the Esplanade 

- Introduce a signage strategy in the town centre indicating routes to the Esplanade and beach 

The Square doesn’t function as such – not pedestrian friendly and - Remove the retaining walls in front of buildings on either side of the Square. 

poor buildings 

- Remove car parking from in front of these buildings in favour of pedestrian space 

- Set buildings back on the corner of the Square and Harbour Road to provide more space facing the Square 

- Reorientate building on corner of Square and car park to face the car park 

- Increase building height and promote a uniform design and scale that will define the space 

River walk is a hostile and unattractive environment - Explore options to control river level so as to maintain it at a constant high level 

- Remove fences along either side and visual barriers across the river including removal of a large proportion of the vegetation to create a 

more urban feel while retaining it as a green route 

- Ensure the Area Plan zones the land to the rear of Bridge Street (along the north eastern side of the river) for mixed use development 

that fronts the river to include apartments, restaurants, shops and offices 

- Improve access at both the town and harbour ends of the walk with more open access from the car park at the town end and a stronger 

access at the harbour end that indicates it as the main pedestrian route to the town centre. 

There is no niche market in Kilkeel that would attract visitors apart - Promote town as the gateway to the Mournes and a tourist centre 

from the Harbour. The town lacks a main, special attraction. 

- Monitor the likely impact of National Park status and encourage more local input into the ongoing National Park debate. 

- Encourage businesses and others to apply for funding available under the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative 

- Improve the physical connections between the Square and the Harbour and the Esplanade 

- Ensure the improvement of the Nautilus car park and include a slip way for small boats 

- Explore the feasibility of providing a small berthing facility for leisure craft adjacent to the car park 



Converting Weaknesses to Strengths (continued) 

WEAKNESSESS 

ACTION 

Lack of knowledge of the presence of the Esplanade and beach by 

visitors and as a consequence is underused 

- As part of the signage strategy, ensure that the Esplanade and beach is well signed on the main roads from the Square and on Greencastle 

Street 

- Sign the Esplanade and beach from the redeveloped river walk 

- Develop a link from the Nautalis Centre in the harbour along the rear of properties on Harbour Road onto Harbour Road and then onto 

Esplanade 

- Implement a comprehensive environmental improvement scheme of the entire Esplanade to produce a co-ordinated design for the space 

- Consider the feasibility of constructing a feature building acting as a neutral community venue 

- Improve pedestrian access onto the beach at key points 

- Establish a coastal walk between Kilkeel and Newcastle and Kilkeel and Cranfield 

The road connecting the harbour and the esplanade is a private - Negotiate with the Harbour Authority to permit a controlled pedestrian access between the harbour and the esplanade and beach 

harbour road. Public access along it may not always be available - Develop Harbour Road from the Square as being the main vehicular access to the esplanade 

Not enough car parking within the town - Better signage for and linkages between parking and town centre 

- Construct a multi-storey car park to reduce on street parking 



3.4 Matching Strengths with Opportunities 

Strengths 

Opportunities 

Location along coast and near the Mourne Mountains - More intensive promotion as Capital of the Kingdom of Mourne 

- Encourage more visitor services to the town and improve the existing 

Harbour is home to Northern Irelands largest fishing fleet - Promote the proposals for the expansion of the harbour 

- Consider the redevelopment of the inner harbour for tourism and leisure uses 

- Lobby for the development of a Training School for Fisheries (to include Sea Survival and Skippers Training) in Kilkeel 

Various employment opportunities within several industries - Ensure sufficient expansion of the development limit to the north east of the harbour to accommodate future industries 

- Ensure that the Area Plan zones the harbour for mixed industrial and business use so as to permit the diversification of existing industries 

An effort has been made to restore key buildings - Continued enhancement of the towns appearance will increase attractiveness for visitors 

- Floodlight prominent buildings 

Esplanade and beach provides an excellent recreational area 

incorporating the Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool 

Range of outdoor pursuits within close proximity; golf, tennis bowling, 

angling, scuba diving, sailing, walking 

- Develop the large area of open space along the esplanade 

- Promote increased usage of the beach 

- Create a walkway connecting Cranfield to the west and Newcastle to the east 

- Develop a community based building on the esplanade to create focus in this area 

- Promote the town as a base for tourists 

- Establish good linkages with the venues of each activity 



4.0 THE WAY FORWARD 

4.1 Key Themes 

The following key themes have emerged from the public consultations, the SWOT and general 

observations by Ferguson McIlveen LLP. They form the basis for the Action Plan under Section 6. 

a. Capturing the tourist/ visitor potential 

Kilkeel is the local service centre for the 7,000 people who caravan during the summer at 

Cranfield, which despite being 7 miles from Kilkeel is regarded as its seaside/beach resort. Kilkeel 

has a number of good attractions and facilities and is in close proximity to the Mournes. The 

Little Kilkeel River provides the vital physical element, which could reconnect the town with the 

harbour, which in itself is a visitor attraction. A ferry connection between Greenore in County 

Louth and Greencastle could bring tourists directly into this area. 

Congestion and volume of traffic through Kilkeel presents a major problem within the town. 

There is inadequate car parking within the town and poor linkages and signage to existing car 

parks, resulting in under-use. 

Housing development within Kilkeel has been intensive in recent years and the demand 

continues to be strong. 

c. Retaining Local Employment 

The dominant industry within the town is fishing. This industry has been diversifying in recent 

years and there are now new needs in terms of space and quality of facilities. Processing 

industries and general industry unrelated to fishing have been developing around the harbour and 

these have been able to sustain a reasonable trade and employment rate. 

However, while the harbour is seen as an attraction, it has also hampered tourism in the town by 

portraying an industrial image. However, there are plans to expand the harbour beyond the 

current outer harbour, which may open up opportunities for redevelopment and reuse of the 

inner harbour. The image of the town is further hampered by the obvious dereliction and the 

presence of flags and graffiti throughout the year. 

It is the perception of many local people that there are very few neutral venues in Kilkeel with 

only The Town Hall, Nautilus Centre and The Spice Tree Café enjoying cross community 

support. An encouraging element to this is that The Spice Tree Café in Bridge Street, which also 

incorporates the offices of R.E.A.C.T (Reaching Everyone and Creating Trust Ltd.) has been 

utilised by a wide range of user groups, inclusive of the whole community, for over 3 years. 

Amongst other objectives the organisation aims “to provide a neutral venue and shared space to 

develop and provide reconciliation opportunities for contact, dialogue and co-operation on 

mutually beneficial projects within the Kilkeel district”. There are plans to expand the Spice Tree 

Café and rename it as The Riverside Centre. 

b. Creating a Vibrant Distirct Centre 

Many of the shops trading in Kilkeel are small scale and in bad state of repair. During the summer 

months the town is bustling with caravan owners from Cranfield, this is very different in the 

winter when it is the impact of Newry is visually and economically apparent. 

4.2 Vision 

The Vision for Kilkeel aims to make more people aware of the tourism assets of Kilkeel. In the 

shorter term, the image of the area must be improved and traffic issues dealt with. The longer term 

will hopefully see the development of the inner harbour for general public use and better 

connections between the Square, Harbour and beach. Having considered the views of the 

community groups, business people and the general public, it is considered that the future 

development of Kilkeel through to 2015 and beyond should be driven by the following Vision. 

Kilkeel 2015 - Tourist Town – Gateway to the Mournes 

Kilkeel is an ideal base for tourists visiting the Mournes on activity and sightseeing holidays. The recently 

redeveloped harbour has provided opportunities for marina and waterfront development in the former inner 

harbour. This has created a tourist attraction and the new riverside development and walkway provides a 

pleasant connection between the Square and the harbour. The town is the focus for water based activities in the 

area which centres on the Esplanade and beach. The revitalised Square functions well as a public space and 

benefits from the good connections to the riverside park development. Kilkeel is also a good place to live, being 

within easy reach of the countryside and the mountains and with a good range of local services. 

4.3 Strategy 

In order to realise this Vision certain actions need to be taken by various groups. The following 

summaries the key issues that should be addressed over the next 10-12. A more detailed account of 

the key actions that should be taken is contained in the Action Plan in Section 6 and this is 

supplemented with suggestions for opportunity sites and main proposals in Section 5. 



It is evident that Kilkeel has potentially a lot to offer the tourist. However the image of the town 

needs to improve and the various constituent parts of the town need to be linked and work 

together. 

The Harbour acts as a tourist attraction, but needs to establish more coherent links with the town. 

The existing riverside walk, from the town to the harbour should be developed. This riverside town 

park could provide this link allowing frontage development to establish along its initial stages. As a 

first step, this land should be zoned in the forthcoming Area Plan for commercial and residential 

development. 

Fishing and fish processing is in a state of change in which there are new needs that will require a 

major rethink in terms of the current harbour provision. The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour 

Authority has plans to significantly expand the harbour beyond the current outer harbour. It is 

hoped that subject to funding, this will be developed within the next decade. The inner harbour will 

then become surplus to requirements and the connection from the existing harbour to the 

esplanade and beach will be more accessible. Consideration should therefore be given now to the 

future development of the inner harbour for waterfront development. This should be tied in with 

the proposals for the riverside walk and create a commercial zone that would extend from the 

Square to the existing harbour. Options for the redevelopment of the inner harbour may include 

infilling, thereby creating more development land; channelling the river and creating riverside 

development and amenity or developing the inner harbour as a marina lined either side with 

restaurant, residential and office uses. Significant land should be zoned beyond the current 

development limit to the east of the existing harbour for new industrial uses which should also 

incorporate a new link road connecting the harbour with the main A2. Consideration should also be 

given to the potential expansion of the harbour in a north easterly direction when zoning land for 

industry and to avoid potential conflict in future years between such industrial uses and the 

suggested reuses for the inner harbour 

The presence of and the access to the beach and the Esplanade needs to be publicised more widely 

and the potential for water based activities in the bay realised. The coastal walk between Kilkeel and 

Newcastle and Kilkeel and Cranfield should be exploited. The Council needs to consider the future 

use of the Esplanade and its connection to the beach. It could be the focus for a community building 

in the longer term, but in the short term should be redesigned to make a more coherent space that 

also offers events space. 

Most of the traffic through the town uses the Newry Road to Newcastle route, which often causes 

congestion along Greencastle Street. The town would benefit from new link roads, connecting 

Greencastle Street directly to the Newry Road to the north, the harbour to the A2 near Moor Road 

and Newcastle Road to Newry Road around the north of the town. It is vital that the land in these 

areas are zoned for development in the forthcoming Area Plan to encourage the development of 

these roads. Road Service also need to be committed to the development of these roads which are 

essential in reducing congestion of the centre of Kilkeel. 

Kilkeel needs to attract a big national store, which opens 7 days a week in order to attract people to 

shop in the area. This could be developed with enhanced car parking such as a multi storey car park 

which should be established in close proximity to facilities. 

Key to the proper implementation of this strategy is building investor confidence in Kilkeel through 

improving the image. Politicians, the Council and the community all have a role to play in removing 

flags and emblems permanently from the streets of the town in order to make it an acceptable urban 

environment for everyone to enjoy. The harbour authority and fisheries authority have roles to play 

in the future development of the harbour and the use of the land and water for general public 

recreation and amenity. The future development of the outer harbour should be encouraged and 

any ancillary uses promoted. However, part of the problem with the image of Kilkeel has been the 

dominance of the industrial presence. As the town expands and the requirements to attract tourists 

become more acute, development of lands around the inner harbour and greater connection 

between this land and the town will become more important. Finally, the town is the main 

settlement in this part of Mourne and should be allowed to expand to reflect that. In connection 

with this, the existing road infrastructure does not suit a settlement of this size and does not cater 

for the volume of traffic forced to negotiate the narrow streets. This has a significant impact on the 

environmental quality of the main retail streets. Environmental improvement of the main streets 

combined with several bypass routes at key locations are vital to securing future investment in the 

centre of Kilkeel. 



5.0 OPPORTUNITY SITES AND PROPOSALS 

5.1 Opportunity Sites 

Opportunity sites, as highlighted in this report are not an indication of the final version of what is 

going to happen or likely to happen up to 2015. That will be the remit of the Banbridge/ Newry and 

Mourne Area Plan 2015, which may take on board the issues raised within this report. For the 

purposes of this report, opportunity sites could be considered as follows: 

They are often under-utilised sites or contain uses, which could be relocated to make way for a more 

appropriate activity in order to achieve an overall vision for the area as a whole. There is however, no 

presumption that all or even any of the land uses in the area will definitely change. 

The following map indicates a number of suggested opportunity sites for the central area of Kilkeel. 

The red line represents a suggested town centre boundary. The town centre boundary has been 

extended to include the proposed riverside site and has been reduced at the western end to 

Knokchree Avenue so as to concentrate commercial development along eastern end of Greencastle 

Street, Newcastle Street and Bridge Street. The western end of Greencastle Street contains a 

number of banks in an area, which would be more suitable for residential development. 

1. Newry Street Junction 

This is a dominant corner site that presents the opportunity to 

properly frame the Square. In this regard any future building on 

the site should have three frontages, facing Newry Street, 

Greencastle Street with the main entrance being on the corner. 

The use here should have the appearance of being open to the 

street and blank frontages should be avoided. It should be three 

storeys in height on the Greencastle Street side tapering to tie in with the 2 storey buildings on 

Newry Street. 

2. Harbour Road 

This road is the main access directly from the centre of the town 

to the harbour and as such is a very important link and one 

which should be made more significant. The buildings on the 

westerly side of the street, while being of traditional design, 

constrain proper access and views along this street and as such 

is not being used to its full potential. The site has been identified 

so as to remove the buildings and rebuild them further back in the site thereby widening the 

street, with the aim of creating more life on the street and reducing dereliction. The site is ideally 

placed to be developed as town centre car parking combined with office and retail uses. Buildings 

could be developed up to 3 storeys in height so as to define the street and make it a dominant 

route when viewed from the Square. The existing building to the north of the site (on the corner 

of Greencastle Street and Harbour Road) should be encourage to orientate its main frontage 

onto the Square so as to focus attention on the Square. 

3. Square 

This space is not functioning as a Square at present due to the 

lack of containment and the retaining walls, which break up the 

space. Buildings in the Square need to be redeveloped to a 

uniform design and scale. The 3 storey building on the corner of 

the Square and Mountain Road sets the tone for the 

recommended height, appearance and scale of future 

development in the Square. Buildings on the corner of the Square and the car park need to be 

orientated onto the car park as well as the Square so as to create a focus onto this area. The 

retaining walls in front of buildings need to be removed and a more curved design needs to be 



put in place to make better use of the space. Cars should be removed from these areas and 

should be made pedestrian friendly 

4. Riverside 

The site includes all the lands between the rear of Bridge Street 

and Newcastle Street and the river. The current riverside walk 

while being an attempt at creating a link between the town 

centre and harbour is poorly used. This is because the walk 

runs along the rear of the town with all properties on both 

sides backing onto it, it is underused, overgrown and has gives 

the impression of being an unsafe and threatening environment. Frontage is required along the 

riverside and the site provides the opportunity to bring life to this vital link. Suitable uses on the 

site might include a mix of restaurants, cafés and bars, 

residential and offices. Some residential has been developed at 

the northern end and an attempt has been made to front the 

river valley. This should be continued along the riverside with 

bars and restaurants along the riverside and a wide pedestrian 

and cycling access route between the development and the 

river. Servicing should be to the rear of the properties as it would be inappropriate to have 

vehicular access along the riverside. The main vehicular access to the site should be via the 

harbour adjacent to Rooney Park. The development of The Riverside Centre as mentioned 

above provides the opportunity to create a landmark entrance to this riverside park. any 

development of this building should ensure a strong riverfront aspect so as to create a focus 

onto the river as recommended for the rest of the riverside park. 

conflict with the working part while at the same time allowing visitors to experience the harbour 

from water front development. The site is ideally located at the end of the riverside walk and will 

act as the destination at the end of the walk. 

6. Health Centre 

The existing site is o be redeveloped and relocated. The close proximity of the site to the centre 

of the town would make an ideal location for a neutral venue for civic space or community use. 

7. Mourne Hospital 

This is large derelict site very close to the centre of Kilkeel. It would be best suited to a large 

retail use or for residential, subject to traffic issues. 

8. College Site 

This site is surplus to requirements and would be best re-established for residential use. 

Alternatively, the centre of excellence for fishing needed for this part of the coastline could be 

sited here if a suitable site or building is not found on the esplanade. 

5. Harbour 

This site is currently a poorly developed car park and includes 

part of the harbour. This area of harbour is not used by the 

fishing boats and could perhaps be redeveloped for public use. 

Responses from the public consultation has suggested that a 

number of people would be keen to see part of the harbour 

developed as marina. Due to tidal conditions this may not be 

possible but a feasibility study should be carried out to look at the reality of such a proposal. In 

any event the car park should be redeveloped into a more formal setting to include waterfront 

amenity and slipway for small leisure craft. The idea is to create an area of harbour that does not 



5.2 Proposals 

a. Linking Harbour, Square and Esplanade 

The future success of Kilkeel as a coherent and vibrant tourist town is dependent upon drawing 

together the three main constituent parts of the town: Harbour, Square and Esplanade/ beach. As 

discussed above, it is therefore proposed to expand development of the town centre into the area 

behind the main streets and connecting Square and harbour via a green link, lined with development. 

A further similar connection then needs to be established from the harbour to the Esplanade/ beach. 

Concept Sketch 1 below shows the important links between the three areas. Consultation with the 

Northern Ireland Fisheries Harbour Authority has raised the issue that the use of the harbour 

access road by the general public between the harbour and the Esplanade conflicts with harbour 

activity and an alternative route must be secured until such times as the outer harbour is developed. 

It is suggested that a link from the harbour directly to Harbour Road (as indicated on the sketch) and 

then on to the Esplanade and beach be implemented as an interim measure. 

permit the development of a better connection between the inner harbour and the Esplanade via the 

current harbour access road. 

Concept Sketch 2 

Proposed harbour 

extension facilitates 

inner harbour 

development for 

commercial and 

leisure uses 

Concept Sketch 1 

- Development to 

the rear of 

Bridge Street 

fronting 

riverside; 

- Improved access 

to Harbour and 

Beach; 

- Rejuvenated 

Town Square 

Proposal Sketch 1 below shows the proposed improvements to the linkage between the Square and 

Harbour. It indicates where new development should take place, access points and the area to be 

retained as open space. As previously stated, it is believed that developing this area while retaining a 

“green link” will create a quality environment that will make better use of an existing linkage. 

Concept Sketch 2 shows the same linkages but with the outer harbour developed. It indicates the 

potential redevelopment of the inner harbour for commercial and recreation use. This has not been 

included on the opportunity sites map because it is viewed as a much longer-term objective and is 

subject to the future development of the outer harbour. However, it is recommended that the Area 

Plan regards the inner harbour as a potential redevelopment site for commercial and recreation use 

subject to outer harbour development. The shift of all harbour activity out to this new location will 

Proposal Sketch 1 - Riverside Development 

It is proposed to develop lands to the rear of Bridge Street fronting 

the river and zone for a mix of residential, office and restaurant uses 



b. Esplanade Regeneration Scheme 

The recreational use of the Esplanade should be retained but its size means that activity is too spread 

out and appears underused. In order to secure better use of the Esplanade and beach and develop it 

as a significant attraction in Kilkeel, it is suggested that the area be subject of a significant 

regeneration scheme with a view to making better use of the space and creating better access to the 

beach. The possibility of developing a main focal building to create a draw to the area should also be 

considered. A building with a community role on this land could be the focus for events and could 

house a Training School for Fisheries, to include Sea Survival and Skippers Training. 

c. Town Square Regeneration Scheme 

It is proposed to regenerate the Square by removing walls, increasing building heights and 

encouraging a uniform design. The Sketch below gives an idea as to how the Square might look if this 

work were carried out. It provides a more pedestrian friendly environment and recreates the 

original intended purpose for the space, that is, as a town square. At present the low quality design 

and retaining walls do little for the visual appearance of what is the most important nodal point in 

Kilkeel. This locality should entice visitors to stop and create a sense of arrival. It should be a place 

where people would want to shop or go to a restaurant or bar. In order to secure this quality 

environment, alternative arrangements will have to be made for parking at nearby, convenient 

locations and signage and easy access to car parking (including multi storey) will be part of the overall 

plan. 

d. Kilkeel Bypass and Relief Roads 

The success of the above proposals is dependent to a degree on consideration of a number of inner 

relief roads and a bypass being constructed as part of future development. A connection should be 

made from Greencastle Road north, through undeveloped land to Newry Road. Further connections 

should be made from the Harbour to Newcastle Road at Moor Road and from Newcastle Road to 

Newry Road around the north of the town. These road proposals will reduce convergence of traffic 

into the Square and when combined with environmental improvements in the main streets will make 

the Square and surrounding streets more pedestrian friendly, thus having a positive affect on image 

on the town centre. 

Proposal Sketch 3 - Bypass and Relief Roads 

Suggested road to connect Greencastle Street with Newry Road; Newcastle Road with 

Newry Road and the Harbour with Moor Road/ Newcastle Road 

Proposal Sketch 2 – Artist Impression of Regenerated Town Square 



6.0 ACTION PLAN – REALISING THE VISION 

a. Capturing the tourist/ visitor potential 

Projects/ Actions 

Possible Funding Delivered By Priority 

Sources 

- Enter into negotiations with relevant bodies to ensure flags are removed after the marching season - NMDC/ Chamber of 

1 

Commerce (CoC) 

- Promote town as the gateway to the Mournes and a tourist centre - Encourage new accommodation under the NRRTI Strategy NMDC/NRRTI/ Mourne NMDC/KDA 1 

for the Mournes 

Heritage Trust (MHT) 

- Consider a bus stop or station at the Esplanade DRD/Translink/NMDC NMDC/DRD/Translink 3 

- Extend the River Walk into the mountains DARD/ NRRTI KDA/MHT/NMDC 2 

- Continue to lobby for a ferry connection between Greenore and Greencastle - NMDC 2 

- Monitor the likely impact of National Park status and encourage more local input into the ongoing debate. - NMDC/Community/ 

1 

MHT 

- Consider including Kilkeel within a future National Park and then market on the basis of this. - NMDC/Community/ 

MHT 

- Enter into discussions with Harbour Authority in allowing a controlled visitor access to certain working parts of the harbour for 

- NMDC/ Harbour 

2 

tourism purposes 

Authority 

- Negotiate with the Harbour Authority to permit a controlled pedestrian access along the road between the harbour and the 

- NMDC/Harbour 

1 

esplanade/ beach 

Authority 

- Develop Harbour Road from the Square as being the main vehicular access to the esplanade DRD DRD/NMDC 1 

- Explore the feasibility of providing suitable facilities for smaller craft within the harbour Invest NI/NRRTI/RDC NMDC/ Harbour 

2 

Authority/KDA 

- Promote the future redevelopment of the inner harbour for tourism and leisure uses subject to the redevelopment of the outer 

- NMDC/ Harbour 

3 

harbour 

Authority 

- Introduce a signage strategy in the town centre indicating routes to the Esplanade and beach NMDC/DRD NITB/NMDC/DRD 1 

- Explore options to control river level so as to maintain it at a constant high level DARD DARD/NMDC 1 

- Remove fences along either side and visual barriers across the river including removal of a large proportion of the vegetation to DSD/DARD/NMDC NMDC 1 

create a more urban feel while retaining it as a green route 

- Implement a comprehensive environmental improvement scheme of the entire Esplanade to produce a co-ordinated design NMDC/DSD/IFI NMDC 1 

- Improve pedestrian access onto the beach at key points DOE/NMDC NMDC 1 

- Consider a coastal walk between Kilkeel and Newcastle and Kilkeel and Cranfield DOE/NRRTI NMDC/KDA/DOE 1 

- Develop a link from the Nautalis Centre onto Harbour Road and then onto Esplanade DRD/NMDC DRD/NMDC 2 



b. Creating a Vibrant District Centre 



Sources 

- Ensure that planning policy encourages retail and other commercial uses within the town centre and prevent edge of centre 

- DOE 1 

development 

- Establish a painting scheme for the main streets and provide grants for owners to encourage enhancement of shop fronts DSD/IFI KDA/NMDC/CoC 2 

- Encourage redevelopment of rundown sites and buildings DSD/IFI KDA/Private/NMDC/ 

1 

CoC 

- Encourage traditional shop fronts for the main streets. Publish a Design Guide to assist in retaining this character and promoting 

DOE DOE 2 

a uniformity in design 

- Include policies in the Area Plan to regulate the design quality of buildings so that they make a positive contribution to the town 

- DOE 1 

centre 

- Floodlight prominent buildings, especially in the Square NRRTI/DSD/Private NMDC/KDA/CoC 3 

- Extend the town centre and develop land to the rear of Bridge Street, along the river for residential, entertainment and office 

- DOE 1 

use. 

- Ensure Area Plan incorporates zoning in the Square and on Greencastle and Newcastle Streets that give positive consideration 

- DOE 1 

to proposals for entertainment, café/restaurant uses 

- Enter into discussions with Translink to relocate the bus station on a site off the Square - KDA/ CoC 2 

- Establish a bypass from Greencastle Road to Newry Road in conjunction with development of land between. DRD/Private DRD/DOE/Private 1 

- Construct a multi-storey car park to reduce the on street parking DRD/Private DRD/Private 1 

- Create an area for events and market space adjacent to the Square and in conjunction with the opening up of the connection of NRRTI/NMDC NMDC/KDA/ CoC 1 

the river walk to the Square. 

- Remove the retaining walls in front of buildings on either side of the Square and remove car parking from in front of these 

DSD NMDC/Private/KDA 1 

buildings in favour of pedestrian space 

- Set buildings back on the corner of the Square and Harbour Road to provide more space facing the Square DSD KDA/Private/NMDC 1 

- Reorientate building on corner of Square and car park to face the car park DSD KDA/Private/NMDC 1 

- Increase building height and promote a uniform design and scale that will define the space DSD/Private DOE/DSD 1 

- Ensure the Area Plan zones the land to the rear of Bridge Street (along the north eastern side of the river) for mixed use 

- DOE 1 

development that fronts the river to include apartments, restaurants, shops and offices. Improve access at both the town and 

harbour ends of the walk with more open access from the car park at the town end and a stronger access at the harbour end 

that indicates it as the main pedestrian route to the town centre 

- Zone sites on entrance to town and town centre as opportunity site and ensure significant gateways are created - DOE 1 

- Consider the construction of a feature building in the esplanade acting as a neutral community venue NMDC NMDC 2 



c. Retaining Local Employment 



Sources 

- Lobby for the relaxation of parking standards to allow for redevelopment for business use - NMDC/Private/DRD 1 

- Establish a new route for the HGV’s from the harbour to Moor Road DRD/Private Invest NI/DRD/Private 1 

- Encourage businesses and others to apply for funding available under the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative MHT/NRRTI NMDC/Community 2 

- Promote the proposals for the expansion of the harbour DARD/DSD/DRD Harbour Authority 2 

- Lobby for the development of a Training School for Fisheries (to include Sea Survival and Skippers Training) in Kilkeel, possibly at Fishing 

DSD/ NMDC/ NKIFHE 1 

the Esplanade 

Taskforce/DSD/DEL 

- Ensure sufficient expansion of the development limit to the east of the harbour to accommodate future industries - Invest NI/DOE/ Harbour 1 

Authority 

- Ensure that the Area Plan zones the existing harbour for mixed industrial and business use and that the proposals for the outer 

- DOE 1 

harbour are indicated 

- Ensure delivery of all the key actions under the six themes as set out in the Fishing Villages Taskforce Report DARD/DETI/NITB/DEL DARD/NMDC/DETI/ 

DEL/KDA/DOE/Private/ 

NKIFHE 

1 



APPENDIX 1 - Summary of Initial Consultation Responses (summer 2003) 

a. TRADRER QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES 

0.0 68 Questionnaires were delivered by hand to traders in the Kilkeel area as part of the Kilkeel Masterplan that will be fed 

into the forthcoming Banbridge/Newry & Mourne Area Plan 2015. 39 questionnaires were returned in total. 

1.0 Questions 1-6 retrieved contact details from each of the 39 respondents from Kilkeel. 

1.1 Question 7 asked respondents ‘How long have you been trading in Kilkeel’ respondents were given three options to 

chose from. 15% of respondents said ‘0-3 years’, 21% have been in Kilkeel ‘4-10 years’ and the remaining 64% have been 

trading in Kilkeel ’11 or more years’. The following chart illustrates responses given. 

How long have you been trading in Kilkeel 

81-90% 10 - - - 

91-100% 8 - - - 

To summarise: 

o 93% of respondents get trade from people living in Kilkeel 

o 84% of traders get trade from people residing elsewhere in Newry& Mourne 

o 91% get trade from people living in other parts of Northern Ireland 

o 62% of Kilkeel traders get trade from people living in the Republic of Ireland 

2.3 Question 9 presented respondents with a range of issues that may cause difficulties for their business. They were 

asked to rate them from 1 (not serious at all) to 5 (very serious). 

21% 

64% 

No 

Response 

(%) 

1 

(%) 

2 

(%) 

3 

(%) 

4 

(%) 

5 

(%) 

15% 

0-3 yrs 

4-10 yrs 

11yrs + 

Parking for you and your staff 7 31 21 5 18 18 

Parking for your customers 5 15 3 15 18 44 

Traffic congestion generally 0 8 10 33 23 26 

2.2 The next question asked traders to estimate what percentage of trade comes from people living in Kilkeel, people living 

in other parts of Northern Ireland, people living elsewhere in Newry & Mourne and people from the Republic of Ireland. 

Response 

From Kilkeel 

(%) 

From 

elsewhere in 

Newry & 

Mourne (%) 

From other 

parts of NI 

(%) 

From the 

Republic of 

Ireland (%) 

No response 7 16 9 38 

1-10% 3 28 49 50 

11-20% - 31 18 3 

21-30% - 15 13 3 

31-40% 8 10 8 3 

41-50% 10 - 3 - 

51-60% 18 - - - 

61-70% 13 - - - 

Difficulties off-loading stock 8 39 5 15 15 18 

Upper floors which are vacant in your 

15 74 0 3 3 5 

premises 

Competition from other independent traders 15 38 26 13 5 3 

Competition from multiples and shopping 

15 41 8 20 3 13 

centres 

Difficulties in securing staff 5 36 18 18 13 10 

Complying with government legislation 0 23 21 23 10 23 

Appearance of area surrounding your 

3 10 18 13 28 28 

premises 

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour 0 5 18 28 16 33 

Those highlighted in bold indicate the percentage of respondents who rated the issues as of major concern. When 

ranked using a weighting and scoring system the top three issues in order are: 

71-80% 23 - - 3 



S 

S 

S 

Parking for your customers 

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour 

Traffic congestion generally 

Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 15% responded, 

some making more than one comment. Nine comments were generated and are as follows 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

6% of respondents said the flying of sectarian flags sets a bad impression of Kilkeel. 3% of which further 

stated that unoccupied buildings look unsightly 

6% said the issue of traffic management must be addressed while a further 3% suggested adjusting the 

timing of lights in the town centre 

3% commented on the footpaths and flower beds being ‘full of weeds’ 

3% said vandalism at weekends must be dealt with 

3% commented on people littering out of cars as a big problem 

3% said parking in Kilkeel is problematic at evening times when students attend college 

2.4 Question 10 covered an extensive range of issues. 34 statements were put to respondents for them to indicate 

if they ‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’ or ‘strongly disagree’. The following results were recorded. 

Statement No response Strongly 

Agree 

Agree 

Strongly 

disagree 

The town looks alive 3 - 18 79 

The town centre is attractive in the 

evenings and weekends 

People can buy everything they need in 

the town 

Shop fronts are generally attractive and 

window displays are inviting 

- 8 - 92 

3 3 25 69 

- 3 59 38 

Shops generally offer friendly service - 26 69 5 

Shops generally offer value for money 5 10 72 13 

The town needs a special attraction to 

draw in visitors 

- 69 23 8 

The market is an attraction 5 3 54 38 

The centre has good places to eat and 

drink 

There are regular events which fill the 

streets with people 

There are good guides publicising the 

town 

It is easy for people to find their way 

into the town 

There is a strategy to attract car borne 

shoppers 

There are distinct long and short term 

car parks 

Parking restrictions and charges are 

clearly signed 

There are clear directions to 

attractions and public facilities 

People, especially women, feel safe 

using the routes from the car parks 

There are traffic calming measures to 

keep speeds down 

You can cross the main streets easily 

and safely 

There is adequate access for people 

with disabilities on the streets 

There is adequate access for people 

with disabilities in shops and public 

buildings 

There are visible cycle racks in key 

locations 

Streets are kept clean of litter and 

graffiti 

3 18 54 25 

3 - 23 74 

3 3 40 54 

- 13 79 8 

3 5 15 77 

3 5 30 62 

3 5 48 44 

3 8 51 38 

5 5 62 28 

5 10 51 34 

3 3 51 43 

5 3 46 46 

5 3 46 46 

5 5 8 82 

3 5 25 67 

The streets are well lit 3 5 67 25 

The streets are in good repair 3 5 46 46 

Shop opening hours meet customer 

needs 

A loyalty scheme for independent 

traders would help build trade 

The town is developing a niche that 

attracts customers 

3 13 66 18 

5 18 62 15 

5 3 8 84 

Street furniture is in the right place and 

is well maintained 

Pavements are uncluttered by poles 

and signs 

Businesses look after the area outside 

their property 

3 - 44 53 

3 3 38 56 

8 13 64 15 



The police are involved in initiatives to 

make the centre safer and to cut crime 

There is a clear vision for the 

development of the town 

Traders and public bodies and 

community groups are co-operating 

well together to develop the town 

5 5 36 54 

8 5 21 66 

10 3 33 54 

The following statements were rated ‘strongly agree’ by a significant number of respondents. 

S 

S 

69% strongly agree ‘the town needs a special attraction to draw in visitors’ 

26% strongly agree that ‘shops generally offer friendly service’ 

The following statements were rated ‘strongly disagree’ by a significant number of respondents. 

S 

S 

S 

S 

92% strongly disagree ‘the town centre is attractive in the evenings and weekends’ 

84% strongly disagree ‘the town is developing a niche that attracts customers’ 

82% strongly disagree ‘there are visible cycle racks in key locations’ 

79% strongly disagree that ‘the town looks alive’ 

Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 18% responded 

producing 13 comments. 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

5% commented on the negative image portrayed by the kerb paintings, flags, graffiti and litter in Kilkeel 

3% of respondents suggested a police patrol especially at weekends, while a further 3% stated ‘police are 

non-existent and hooliganism rules’ 

3% suggested introducing CCTV cameras to reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour 

3% said ‘Kilkeel is like a ghost town’ 

3% of respondents said Kilkeel needs more activities for young people 

3% said there is nothing in Kilkeel to invite visitors 

3% believe Kilkeel is a lost town with no business economy 

3% said traders should be given grants to improve shop fronts 

3% of respondents said shops are not surviving as they are forced to close when parades are on 

3% suggest introducing cycle paths to Cranfield as a way of improving the area 

3% commented on the lack of clothes shops in Kilkeel 

2.5 Question 11 (a) asked traders to outline any plans they may have to refurbish or develop their premises. 31% of 

participants responded. Responses given are shown below. 

S Three respondents have recently refurbished their premises 

S One respondent would like to purchase a purpose built space for a shop 

S One trader has plans to improve building access for disabled patients 

S One respondent is planning to paint their premises 

S One respondent said they plan to refurbish the ground floor office and expand to upstairs 

S One respondent would like to do up their building as it is old and damp 

S One trader has a £1.5 million refurbishment plan to develop their building 

S One respondent said they are moving to a larger premises in the town centre 

S One of the respondents are currently seeking a site for a cold store 

S One respondent has plans to buy new premises in 2004 

2.6 Question 11 (b) asked traders if they ever had any plans fettered or refused in the past. If yes, they were asked to 

outline barriers experienced. Two people responded with the following statements. 

S ‘We applied for grant aid and were refused because we are outside the business centre’ 

S ‘There are too many delays for planning applications and the red tape and cost is off putting’ 

2.7 Question 12 consisted of four parts. Respondents were asked what specifically they would like to see done to 

improve the town in each of the following areas: ‘the physical appearance’, ‘the marketing and promotion of the 

town’, ‘the management of traffic and finally, ‘the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the town’. 

2.7.1 59% commented on the physical appearance of Kilkeel generating 13 comments in total. 

S 39% said graffiti, murals, flags and kerb paintings should be removed while a further 3% would like Kilkeel to 

be litter and graffiti free. They suggested installing CCTV 

S 5% of respondents said the town in general must be kept better. 3% said streets and pathways are in need 

of repair while a further 3% said flowerbeds need tidied 

S 3% said there should be a joint effort from all agencies to carry out statutory duties 

S 3% of respondents would like more floral displays in Kilkeel 

S 3% of respondents said all traders should repaint shop fronts to help revamp the appearance of Kilkeel 

S 3% suggested encouraging new businesses to occupy vacant shops 

S 3% of respondents said peoples attitude to littering must change 



S 3% suggested a clean up of the river walk and adjoining area and installation of CCTV 

S 3% of respondents said something must be done about vandalism because police presence is not enough 

S 3% said summer seats and better toilets are needed in the town centre 

2.7.2 49% commented on the marketing and promotion of the town and generated 22 comments in total. 

S 3% said Kilkeel is not promoted in the right way while a further 3% said marketing and promotion is good 

at present 

S 3% of respondents said there was a need to restrict the number of fast food outlets in Kilkeel and a further 

3% said there should be stricter measures governing mobile chip vans 

S 3% said the physical appearance of Kilkeel will hinder progress on marketing and promotion 

S 3% of respondents suggested new and improved shops with a variety of products 

S 3% of respondents said Kilkeel needs more investment in order to improve appearance 

S 3% said Kilkeel has nothing to be promoted 

S 3% would like more cultural events 

S 3% said Kilkeel needs a promenade and ancillary area to make the town more like a seaside town 

S 3% said the exterior of buildings are in need of improvement 

S 3% suggested implementing a strategy to remove the town’s bad image 

S 3% said a major initiative is needed as there are many empty shops and buildings 

S 3% said Kilkeel needs facilities and attractions before they can be marketed 

S 3% said people need to shop in the town in order to promote it 

S 3% said the harbour and fishery should be promoted as an attraction 

S 3% suggested more festivals to promote the area such as fishing and farming 

S 3% said Kilkeel is very scenic but lacks attractions that other towns have 

S 3% said their should be more advertisements on TV and magazines in the South of Ireland and other 

countries 

S 3% of traders said they would like to leave shutters open so the town does not look under siege 

S 3% said new businesses and franchisees should be encouraged into Kilkeel 

S 3% said the beach area should be concreted to tidy up the whole area 

S 5% suggested a pedestrian crossing at Greencastle Street 

S 5% said traffic management in the town must be reviewed and traffic calming measures put in place 

S 5% of respondents calls for more parking in the town 

S 3% commented on problems caused by traffic coming into the town from the Rostrevor direction 

S 3% said delivery vehicles should have set times for operating in the town 

S 3% commented that traffic management is not a problem in the town 

S 3% suggested removing the roundabouts at each end of the town 

S 3% suggested a by-pass to ease traffic flow 

S 3% said there is no need for traffic wardens 

S 3% would like the town centre traffic lights replaced with a roundabout 

S 3% of respondents said double yellow lines are needed to reduce congestion 

S 3% said more traffic lights are needed 

S 3% of respondents blame double parking for a lot of the problems with the traffic 

S 3% would like traffic lights at the top of Knockcree Avenue 

S 3% of respondents said a pedestrian area is needed at Greencastle street 

2.7.4 31% commented on the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the town generating 10 different 

comments. 

S 15% of respondents said more cross community events are needed 

S 5% said there should be equality in funding for both sides of the community 

S 3% said Kilkeel needs more financial support 

S 3% said a variety of festivals should be encouraged in Kilkeel 

S 3% said no cultural encouragement is needed 

S 3% of respondents would like to see a development of multi-cultural festivals 

S 3% said there are already a few events held during the year 

S 3% suggested developing something to attract fishermen, water sports participants and hill walkers 

S 3% said there should be support for all to promote an annual festival 

S 3% said their should be activities organised for people with common interests 

2.7.3 51% of traders commented on the management of traffic in Kilkeel, generating 18 comments in total. 

S 

S 

11% of respondents calls for more parking in the town while a further 3% suggested a central car park at 

Dunnes Stores 

5% said parking along Bridge Street and Newcastle Street is non-existent 



b. COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES 

1.0 Questionnaires were mailed to Community and Voluntary Groups in the five catchment areas as part of the Masterplans 

that will be fed into the forthcoming Banbridge/Newry & Mourne Area Plan 2015. 44 questionnaires were mailed to 

groups in Kilkeel. 6 responses were recorded. 

2.0 Questions 1-5 retrieved contact details from each of the 6 Community and Voluntary Groups that returned 

questionnaires from Kilkeel. 

2.1 Question 6 asked respondents for a ‘Brief description of your group’s activities’. 

2.2 Question 7 presented respondents with a range of issues that may cause concern or may interest their group. They 

were asked to rate depending on the level of concern their group has. 

No 

Response 

Major 

Concern 

Some 

Concern 

No Concern 

Parking in the town centre 1 3 2 - 

Traffic congestion in the town centre - 6 - - 

Personal safety in the town centre - 5 1 - 

S Traffic congestion in the town 

S Impact of new shopping centres on local traders 

Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. Four responses 

were recorded: 

S ‘The issues above have been an ongoing concern for a number of years. However, with businesses closing 

down, fishing and farming on the decline and the bad image Kilkeel has acquired, the situation is sinking to 

new depths. People who are able to leave are not coming back to Kilkeel’ 

S ‘Kilkeel is becoming like a ghost town and there are no decent shops to encourage people since Dunnes 

Stores closed’ 

S ‘There are 30 or more vacant retail premises in Kilkeel, the most recent being Dunnes Stores, this must be 

addressed’ 

S ‘There is a lack of parking for the disabled and pedestrian crossings are needed in many places such as at 

Safeways’ 

2.3 Respondents were asked to briefly mention what they would like to see done to address their concerns and whom 

they think is responsible. 68% responded with the following statements: 

Access for people with disabilities in the town 

- 3 3 - 

centre 

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the town 

- 3 2 1 

centre 

Impact of new shopping centres on local traders - 6 - - 

Appearance of the town centre 1 3 1 1 

Value for money in local shops 1 3 1 1 

Choice of shopping - 3 1 2 

S 

S 

S 

S 

17% said the government, local council and the Heritage Development Association are collectively 

responsible for all the issues above. They said there should be more traffic wardens, more policing and 

more consideration given to local disabled people 

17% said these concerns need to be addressed by stationary agencies, businesses and community groups 

together but as Kilkeel remains segregated it is difficult to see who would take responsibility for anything 

17% said flags should be removed and footpaths cleaned up. They further suggested encouraging new 

shops into the town 

17% would like a town development strategy for Kilkeel 

Quality of service in local businesses - 3 1 2 

Other: (please specify) 

5 1 - - 

Lack of policing on the streets 

2.4 The next section covered an extensive range of issues. 34 statements were put to respondents for them to indicate 

if they ‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’ or ‘strongly disagree’. The following results were recorded: 

Those highlighted in bold indicate the percentage of respondents who rated the issues as of ‘major concern’. 100% 

of respondents rated the following statements of ‘Major Concern’. 



Statement 

No 

response 

Strongly 

Agree 

Agree 

Strongly disagree 

The town looks alive - - 2 4 

The town centre is attractive in the 

evenings and weekends 

People can buy everything they need in 

the town centre 

Shop fronts are generally attractive and 

window displays are inviting 

Town centre shops generally offer 

friendly service 

Town centre shops generally offer value 

for money 

Shop opening hours meet customer 

needs 

A loyalty scheme for independent traders 

would help build trade 

The town centre is developing a niche 

that attracts customers 

The town centre needs a special 

attraction to draw in visitors 

- - - 6 

- - - 6 

- 1 4 1 

- 3 3 - 

- 1 3 2 

- 1 4 1 

1 1 3 1 

1 - - 5 

- 5 1 - 

The market is an attraction 1 2 2 2 

The centre has good places to eat and 

drink 

There are regular events which fill the 

streets with people 

There are good guides publicising the 

town 

It is easy for people to find their way into 

the town 

There is a strategy to attract car borne 

shoppers 

There are distinct long and short term 

car parks 

Parking restrictions and charges are 

clearly signed 

There are clear directions to attractions 

and public facilities 

People, especially women, feel safe using 

the routes from the car parks 

There are traffic calming measures to 

keep speeds down 

You can cross the main streets easily and 

safely 

- 1 2 3 

- - - 6 

- - 2 4 

- 1 4 1 

- - - 6 

- - - 6 

1 1 2 2 

- 1 2 3 

- - 4 2 

- 1 1 4 

- - - 6 

There is adequate access for people with - - 1 5 

disabilities on the streets 

There is adequate access for people with 

disabilities in shops and public buildings 

There are visible cycle racks in key 

locations 

- - - 6 

- - 2 4 

Streets are kept clean of litter and graffiti - 1 5 - 

The streets are well lit - 1 4 1 

The streets are in good repair - 1 3 2 

Street furniture is in the right place and is 

well maintained 

Pavements are uncluttered by poles and 

signs 

Businesses look after the area outside 

their property 

The police are involved in initiatives to 

make the centre safer and to cut crime 

There is a clear vision for the 

development of the town centre 

Traders and public and community 

groups are co-operating well together to 

develop the town centre 

- 2 4 - 

- - 4 2 

- - 4 2 

1 - 1 4 

1 - 1 4 

1 - 2 3 

The following statements were rated ‘strongly agree’ by a significant number of respondents. 

S 

S 

‘The town centre needs a special attraction to draw in visitors’ 

‘The town centre shops generally offer friendly service’ 

The following statements were rated ‘strongly disagree’ by 100% of respondents. 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

S 

‘The town centre is attractive in the evenings and weekends’ 

‘People can buy everything they need in the town centre’ 

‘There are regular events which fill the streets with people’ 

‘There is a strategy to attract car borne shoppers’ 

‘There are distinct long and short term car parks’ 

‘You can cross the main streets easily and safely’ 

‘There is adequate access for people with disabilities in shops and public buildings’ 



Respondents were given the opportunity to expand on the above statements or any other matters. 51% responded 

with the following comments: 

S 17% commented that the general appearance of Kilkeel must be improved to encourage visitors to the town 

S 17% said all flags and graffiti should be removed. They also suggested more shops and more disabled parking 

S 17% said there are a small number of groups who meet occasionally but not to develop the town. Regeneration 

has been the development association’s aim together with the chamber of commerce. Neither of these groups 

includes all of the businesses and community groups in Kilkeel and they take little to do with the community 

side of life that ultimately affects any development plans for the town. 

2.5 The next question consisted of four parts. Respondents were asked what specifically they would like to see done 

to improve the town centre in each of the following areas: ‘the physical appearance’, ‘the marketing and promotion 

of the town centre’, ‘the management of traffic and finally, ‘the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the 

town centre’. Some respondents made more than one comment. 

S 17% suggested a building a multi-storey car park to reduce roadside parking on yellow lines 

S 17% said Bridge Street, Greencastle Street and Newry Street junction has to be improved 

S 17% there are major traffic problems on Mondays outside the post office 

S 17% the flow of traffic should be improved through the town at peak times 

S 17% would like more traffic wardens on the streets and more parking facilities 

2.5.4 51% commented on the encouragement of cultural or festival activities in the town centre generating the following 

comments. 

S 17% said any events would be welcomed 

S 17% said Kilkeel needs more resources 

S 17% suggested concentrating more on neutral and new festivals 

2.5.1 100% commented on the physical appearance of Kilkeel generating the following comments. 

S 17% said ‘Graffiti should be removed’, while a further 17% said flags and graffiti should be removed and 

green areas maintained 

S 17% of respondents said ‘I would like Kilkeel to appear fresher and less cluttered’ 

S 17% said they would like more flowers in the area and flags and emblems removed. They highlighted the 

painted kerbstones as a problem that tarnishes the appearance of Kilkeel 

S 17% suggested reducing/subsidising rent to encourage more retail activity to improve the area 

S 17% said Kilkeel needs completely revamped 

2.5.2 67% commented on the marketing and promotion of the town centre and generated the following comments. 

S 17% suggested employing a town centre manager 

S 17% of respondents said at present Kilkeel have nothing to attract people into the town 

S 17% said infrastructure should be strengthened 

S 17% said the harbour and promenade should be highlighted as attractions. They further suggested 

promotion of the fair day 

2.5.3 83% of the Community and Voluntary Groups commented on the management of traffic in Kilkeel, they generated 

the following comments. 

c. FLYERS 

49 returns 

What are the good things about Kilkeel 

Good things 

Scenery 17 

The harbour 11 

Swimming pool 7 

The beach 7 

Friendly people 4 

Leisure centre 4 

The road out of Kilkeel 4 

Doctors surgery/health centre 4 

Floral displays 3 

New Square 3 

Organised walks/tours 3 

Library 3 

Nite life 2 

Play area at Esplanade 2 

Tourist office 1 

Council facilities 1 

Residential Home 1 

Cinema 1 

Shops 1 

St Louis Grammar School 1 

Location 1 

Responses 



How could we make those things even better 

Make it better 

Clean up beach/better access 9 

Cleaning up the town 5 

More shops 4 

Public toilets 3 

More organised events 3 

Better policing especially at night 3 

Swimming pool like Lisburn 2 

Less pubs 1 

Less takeaways 1 

Get rid of old scap 1 

More chairs in residential home 1 

More tourist facilities 1 

More/better signage 1 

Integrated schools 1 

No political symbols 1 

Protect local shops 1 

Ban drinking in The Square 1 

Bus trips 1 

Community centre for everyone 1 

Litter bins at Harbour 1 

Safer wall at Harbour 1 

What are the things you do not like about Kilkeel 

Don’t like 

Sectarian flags/painted pavements/walls 11 

Anti-social behaviour 10 

State of public toilets 9 

Traffic congestion 8 

Intimidation 8 

Empty shops/run down buildings 6 

Litter 6 

Graffiti 6 

Vandalism 3 

Drinking on street 3 

Lack of parking 3 

Marching 3 

Bottles/drugs etc about Post office 2 

Lack of restaurants 2 

People reluctance to “give peace a chance” 2 

Poor facilities for tourists 2 

Anti-PSNI town 1 

Silent Valley is neglected 1 

Noisy library 1 

Newry Street 1 

Dog foul 1 

Responses 

Responses 

Poor bus shelters 1 

Narrow roads/no cycle lanes 1 

No pedestrian crossings 1 

Dirty river 1 

Politically driven community relations 1 

Uneven paving 1 

Poorly maintained floral displays 1 

Christmas decorations 1 

How can we change those things 

Change things 

More police 5 

Remove political emblems 4 

Introduce litter fines 3 

Lower rates to attract new businesses 2 

Remove graffiti 2 

Traffic lights at Knockahree Avenue/Knoxs 1 

CCTV 1 

Better access to beach 1 

Public toilets at Knox’s end 1 

Better signage 1 

More cross-community events 1 

Supervised public toilets 1 

Divert traffic out of town centre 1 

Clean up river 1 

Paint shop fronts 1 

Paying public toilets 1 

More parking 1 

Clean up streets 1 

Responses 



What big idea do you have to make Kilkeel better 

Idea 

Shopping centre/more shops 9 

Parental control over teenagers 7 

Public toilets 4 

More policing 4 

Integrated society/no religious segregation 4 

Make Kilkeel welcoming and safer 4 

Entertainment centre for everyone to include threatre, gallery, cinema 3 

Remove all sectarian flags 3 

Educate young people – conflict resolution 3 

Ban all marches 2 

Community hall/community forum 2 

More cafes 2 

Drop-in centre 2 

Summer festival 2 

Lower rates to encourage businesses to open 2 

CCTV 2 

Motivate the locals to take pride in their town 2 

Cleaner shops/selling food not out of date 2 

Remove graffiti 1 

Better ambulance service 1 

More parking 1 

Heritage centre 1 

Advertising board listing weeks entertainment 1 

Clean up area around bus station 1 

Proper bus shelters 1 

Gourmet restaurant 1 

Water sports – sailing surfing etc 1 

Integrated schools 1 

Divert traffic to Newry Street 1 

Clean up river 1 

Clamp down on speeding 1 

Mountain to sea fun run – donations for local charities 1 

Clean up streets 1 

Responses 



APPENDIX 2 – Responses to Public Exhibition Questionnaire (December 2003) 

The public were encouraged to complete a questionnaire on the proposals for Kilkeel. 2 questionnaires were 

returned. 

1 Vision- this is a statement as to how Kilkeel might look in 2015. Do you agree with this statement 

Yes- 1 

No- 0 

No response- 1 

If not, what would your Vision be for central Kilkeel 

• The riverbank should not be developed for housing. A green space with walkway, park and café 

would be more benefit to the residents 

• All shop fronts should be kept as near as possible the to Market town image that Kilkeel once 

had. Listed buildings should be inspected and retained. The tailor shop a workshop of Mc 

Knights should be retained as a curiosity shop as at least a viable place for visitors to visit and 

view the old tailors work place 

2 Opportunity sites- these are sites that could be put to better use and are shown as green shaded areas on 

the map. We have suggested alternative land-uses for each site, do you agree with our suggestions 

Yes- 0 

No- 1 


If not, what uses would you suggest if these sites were to be redeveloped 

• The Harbour development may never proceed. Alternate use would be marina, apartments and 

the bars and restaurants envisaged for the green field, riverbank site 

• The top of the Harbour Road is crying out for development but is curbed by sensitivity to retain 

the character of the market/fishing town. The area along the river walk would benefit from a mix 

of development but mostly domestic housing. However how does one access the area with 

vehicles Also would the view of the riverbank and the general unkempt appearance encourage 

one to live there The last thing Kilkeel needs is a three-storey pub on the vacant site 

3 Artists Impression- the sketches give an idea as to how the Square might look in the future. It includes 

the removal of walls to create a more open space and new buildings. Would you be happy to see the 

Square develop in this way 

Yes- 1 

No- 0 


Have you any strong objections to the proposals What changes would you make 

• If the owners of the property agree to such a change then it would look much better than at 

present. Is it envisaged that the actual properties would be provided with better frontages If so, 

who pays for them There would have to be a modern public convenience in the town Square. 

The Rivers Agency will have to devise a method of keeping water in the river section behind 

Oaklee to below the lower end of the car park 

4 It is proposed to develop land along the riverside to the rear of Bridge Street between the Square and the 

Harbour so as to create a more useable area and improve the linkage. Would you like to see such a 

development 

Yes- 1 

No- 0 


5 Other comments 

• Fishing is in decline, there may only be three or four boats soon. The Harbour could be 

developed as a marina with apartments, shops, bars etc. Link this to the centre of the town with 

a Greenfield walkway with a park fishing area, play areas with the heart of the town running from 

the Square to the Harbour 

• If a marina and pontoon is provided in the inner Harbour- how safe will the visiting yachts be 

when the fishing boats are coming into the inner Harbour to unload their catch at the market – 

There would have to be new building with washing facilities nearby the pontoon. This is the least 

that visitors would expect- the car park at the Nautilus must be expanded urgently with proper 

fencing, some trees, proper heavy duty tarmac and more information points

Kilkeel - Newry and Mourne District Council

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?