FORMED:
In 1991 to address the economic and physical decline brought about in the main by the decline in the fishing industry.

POPULATION: 6,200 people. Kilkeel boasts the largest fishing fleet in Ireland and is home to 54% (96) of Northern Ireland's entire fleet. 1,024 people work in the fishing industry, accounting for 124 part time and 900 full time jobs. This represents 51% of the total Northern Ireland employment in the industry. 34% of the value of all of Northern Ireland's fish landings originate from Kilkeel.

PROJECTS UNDER THE FISHING VILLAGES PROGRAMME: Construction of "The Nautilus Centre" a major fish related tourism facility at the harbour which provides a restaurant, fish retail outlet, heritage and craft centre, 12 net stores, a net mending loft, conference, training and community facilities, and welfare services; major environmental improvements to the town and provision of a new Lower Square; and leverage of £200,000 towards the new swimming pool.

FUNDING PACKAGE:
Fishing Villages Programme Funding: £1,311,000
Additional Funding Levered: £2,170,000
Total £3,481,000

JOBS CREATED:
14 full time and 12 part time jobs through the Nautilus Centre and swimming pool.

OTHER PROJECTS:
Retraining Initiative for redundant fishermen (KITE); Environmental Improvement Scheme Phase II; Mourne Activity Breaks (Tourism Marketing Initiative); Manus's Lane Improvement Scheme; Rural Outreach Business Programme; Cross Community Information Initiative; Cycling/Walking Trails Initiative; Floral Project; Tourist Information and Craft Centre; Nautical Festival.

OTHER FUTURE PLANS:
Currently implementing a Phase III Regeneration Plan incorporating a Phase III Environmental Improvements Scheme; Beach Access Scheme; Kilkeel Enterprise and Workspace Project; Shop Front & Spruce Up Scheme; Festival Initiative;