To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he will reinstate the Northern Ireland Environment Agency signs confirming the Area of Special Scientific Interest that stretches from behind the New Quays, Portavogie to the short walkway and on to South Shore at Ratallagh, Cloughey.

Earlier NIEA signage at this location was temporarily erected at Outer Ards Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), due to a number of fly tipping incidents and to provide details for the public to report any concerns. While one sign on the dunes at the Southern Shore was removed in April 2023, after falling over due to the exposed location and unstable substrate, the other signs were checked recently and remain in position. NIEA is not required under the Environment Order to install or replace ASSI signage.

My officials are engaging with Ards and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC), which has advised of its plans to install permanent environment and educational signage along the Outer Ards Coast, including Portavogie Dunes, Ratallagh. ANDBC has agreed with NIEA officials to include details on its coastal signage for reporting any concerns about Outer Ards ASSI to NIEA.