A popular Northern Ireland beach is to get a solar-powered upgrade with the building of a new amenity block and lifeguard facility.
Newry, Mourne and Down Council (NMDDC) has given the green light to the project at Blue Flag Tyrella Beach. It is hoped demolition of an existing structure to pave the way for the new-build will begin soon.
However, full costings or details of employee operation of the project have not yet been revealed by the local authority.
Read more: Lesser-known beaches to explore when the sun is out in Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson said: “With planning permission now achieved, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will explore funding opportunities to progress the next stage of project development at Tyrella Beach.
“This will provide improved visitor amenities including toilet facilities, exterior showers, a first aid room and storage.”
The picturesque tourist attraction will see the development of modern lifeguard facilities, a first aid room with universal access and public toilets.
Tyrella is one of a small number of Northern Ireland beaches to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
The designs have taken in to account the natural heritage and special scientific interest of the area, and includes a renewable energy source to supply power to the building.
A new external concrete platform is to be provided outside the building level with the existing car park. Proposed new toilets will include cubicles for people with disabilities.
The exterior of the building will be constructed with a ‘blue engineering brick’, which will be in keeping with landscape colours, in particular, the distant view of the Mourne mountains.
In addition, a special sheltered area has been incorporated into the design, covering the doors to the various sections of the building. Access to the new building will be via the existing tarmac road, which connects the beach with the Clanmaghery Road.
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