Ards and North Down Borough Council has postponed a decision on purchasing £125,000 of beach cleaning equipment after councillors raised environmental concerns.

The proposal, which would have funded a mobile biosecurity wash-down unit and mechanical beach cleaning machinery, was intended to clear excess seaweed from public amenity beaches. Councillors cited problems with rats and flies associated with accumulated seaweed.

A report from a council officer warned that the machinery could damage sand dunes at several beaches and conflict with the council's environmental objectives. It highlighted restrictions under Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) rules that would limit use of the equipment.

At a full council meeting, UUP councillor Pete Wray proposed an amendment to seek further discussions with DAERA and NIEA before proceeding. He said the operating costs, winter bird season restrictions, and presence of nesting birds and seal pups were factors in his concerns.

Alliance Alderman McRandal supported the amendment, arguing the restrictions had been clear since December. Green Party councillor Barry McKee said beaches are complex ecosystems that protect biodiversity and his party would heed DAERA advice.

DUP Alderman Robert Adair defended the proposal, saying residents have complained about rats, flies, and seaweed as high as toddlers at Millisle and Ballywalter beaches. He said the issue affects five per cent of the coastline and described the equipment as a "common sense" decision.

Alliance Alderman Lorna McAlpine cautioned against spending public money on machinery that might be underused, while Independent councillor Tom Brady questioned its value if regulations prevent regular use.

The amendment was carried despite opposition from DUP councillors. The council will now seek clarification from DAERA on where mechanical beach cleaning could be used in the borough before making any purchase decision.