Groomsport Inclusive Beach Officially Opened for 2025

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, has officially opened Groomsport's inclusive beach for the 2025 season, where a free beach equipment loan scheme is operated by Ards and North Down Borough Council's Community Development team in partnership with Mae Murray Foundation.

The range of equipment available, such as Hippocampe / G explorer all-terrain wheelchairs and beach walker, enable users to move easily onto the hard sand via the specialised matting that is temporarily set out by the beach wardens. The equipment loan scheme is available on Fridays and Sundays until Sunday 24 August.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"Ards and North Down Borough Council continues to support the delivery of these vital services in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation charity. Combined with the nearby Changing Places accessible toilet facilities that offers hoisting and adult-sized changing bench resources, Groomsport has excellent facilities that ensure the beach is accessible for everyone. I was delighted to officially open the new season, and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the dancing and African Drum Circle."

Visitors to Groomsport's inclusive beach can avail of appropriate parking and dignified toileting facilities, ensuring a stress-free arrival with the knowledge that appropriate equipment is available to support visitors' mobility.

The Mae Murray Foundation was originally established to enable individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in activities, explore the world, and build friendships in an inclusive environment. In addition to offering beach equipment for individual loan, they often host events and activities such as family fun days, to include animal road shows, African drum circle, magic shows and much more. In addition, there are also litter picking events at inclusive beaches.

The loan scheme operates under advance booking conditions with full details, including days of operation, equipment options and other useful information, available from the Mae Murray Foundation's website. For more information, visit www.maemurrayfoundation.org.

Photo caption 1: Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, with Alix Crawford (Founder and Chairperson of Mae Murray Foundation) and her daughter Talia. Image: Ian Pedlow.