Commenting on the issue, Cllr Muir stated “I recently became aware that the gate at Portavo Reservoir had been locked and access was being restricted to this scenic beauty spot by DCAL. I immediately contacted the Angling section within DCAL and after lots of lobbying received an assurance that a review would be carried out concerning access arrangements to the Reservoir. Meanwhile serious Road Safety concerns continue to exist with visitors forced to park on the busy A2 Bangor to Donagadee road, often dodging cars which zoom close by.
I have therefore contacted the Minister Carál Ni Chuilín MLA and have been informed that a consultation exercise will be carried out with stakeholders but no timescale can be given and work ‘will be progresssed in line with Departmental priorities’. I find this reply entirely unaccepable and urge the Minister to rethink her decision and resolve this matter without any further delay.
Concluding, Cllr Muir stated “Many fear that DCAL’s recent decision is merely the thin edge of a wedge as a precursor to sale of the Reservoir by NI Water in 2012/13. I hope common sense prevails and the matter is resolved within the next few weeks before someone is seriously injured, or worse!”
ENDS