Dozens of fishing stands are to be removed from Loughgall Country Park, Armagh I can reveal.
The facilities are scattered around the lake at the picturesque Co Armagh beauty spot and are widely used by local anglers.
But now around one third of all stands at the lake are to be removed.
And, what’s more, they will not be replaced either.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has agreed to take away a total of 32 fishing stands.
It is a move which the local authority says is being taken in the interests of public safety.
Related: Anglers up in arms at council changes to trail and stands at Loughgall Park
ABC Council has gone out to tender this week in the hope of finding a “suitably experienced and qualified contractor”.
This is for the “removal and disposal” of 32 timber fishing stands and the partial removal of a single stand.
These are described as being currently located “across multiple locations at Loughgall Country Park”.
A spokesperson for ABC Council confirmed the decision to take away the stands.
We had enquired if there was any intention to remove recreational fishing from the Loughgall site, the reasoning for the removal and when – and if – the stands would be replaced.
The spokesperson told Armagh I : “Following an assessment on 100 fishing stands at Loughgall Country Park, 32 stands were identified for removal due to health and safety concerns.
“There are currently no plans to replace the stands, as the assessment highlighted adequate fishing provision is available.”
The open tender process is now underway and anyone interested in putting themselves forward for the work has until midday on June 1 to do so.
When the contract is awarded, the work would be expected to take two months to complete.
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