Traád Point on the shores of Lough Neagh was once considered as a halting site for Travellers
Proposals to create a nature reserve in the north west corner of Lough Neagh have moved a step closer with plans due to come before Mid Ulster Planning Committee for the demolition of the former limnology building at Traad Point on the outskirts of Ballyronan.
The application for Mid Ulster District Council comprises the demolition of the redundant field studies building, and the construction of a single-storey environmental education and community facility, together with associated car parking, footpath reinstatement and minor access works off Point Road.
Local man Thomas McElhone, who has campaigned for the development of Traád for community use, has been looking back on the history of this forgotten part of the Lough.
"For generations, it has been the heart of the local community. At one time, 38 families made their living fishing from Traád. During the summer months, it became "our Portrush, packed with families enjoying its safe, clean waters (a far cry from today) and its long sandy beach.
“Sand has always played an important part in Traád's story. Until the 1960s, the area was used as an open-cast sand quarry. Thankfully, that chapter is long closed.
“For almost twenty years, Traád was home to the University of Ulster's freshwater laboratories. In the early 2000s, Magherafelt District Council purchased the site from the University on the understanding that it would eventually be returned to the local community in some form. University staff had seen first-hand just how much Traád meant to local people and how well it was used.
“Sadly, after twenty years of poor management, Traád's gates remained locked, and an entire generation missed out on enjoying this remarkable place.
“In 2018, local people were shocked to learn that Mid Ulster Council intended to develop Traád as a halting site for Travellers. Several other suitable sites already existed with power, water and hard standing. One explanation circulating at the time was that Traád had been chosen because people had forgotten about it.
“Everyone deserves somewhere to live, and the Traveller community is no different. However, the proposed residents themselves did not want the Traád site because of its remote location and poor access to schools and shops. Despite this, the plans continued.
“With little hope of stopping the proposal, a small group of local people came together and began chipping away at the reasons for changing Traád forever. Through newspaper articles, Facebook campaigns, public awareness events and even a traditional fishing boat race along the shores of Lough Neagh, they reminded people just how special Traád really was.
“The power of the community began to change minds.
“To Mid Ulster Council's credit, the proposal for a ‘haulsite’ was withdrawn and replaced with a public consultation to discover what local people wanted for their Traád.
Mr McElhone added: “That brings us to today, and the beginning of a new chapter in Traád's story.”
Planners are now expected to consider the Traád proposal in detail before bringing it to the Mid Ulster Planning Committee for a decision.