Kircubbin's deteriorating harbour has received renewed attention after a meeting brought together community representatives, an MLA, and officials from the Department for Communities. The gathering assessed the harbour's condition and discussed potential options for its future.

Brian Bailie, chair of Kircubbin and District Community Association, said the meeting with Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong and Historic Environment Division officials produced a clearer direction. He said the harbour's owner is willing to transfer ownership for £1 if legal costs are covered, which could enable a community-led approach.

The harbour has suffered from almost a century of neglect and coastal erosion, with sections of masonry missing and new openings appearing. Kellie Armstrong said recent storms eroded a significant section of wall parallel to Shore Road. She said the lough is now about ten feet from the road and the A20 could be at risk without action.

Armstrong said the harbour is now dangerous to walk along, and its future may depend on transfer to a community company that could prevent further collapse while seeking investment for repairs.

Bailie said the community had previously met council conditions, including a structural survey costing £12,000, but Ards and North Down Council declined to adopt the harbour. He said an 18-month delay resulted from that refusal, during which deterioration continued.

He said the main remaining obstacle is recruiting experienced businesspeople to serve as company directors and manage the repair and restoration. The community wants any transfer to create a sustainable opportunity rather than an unmanageable burden on a voluntary organisation.

The meeting also explored the possibility of financial support for stabilisation work, given the harbour's relationship with the adjoining A20 coast road. Officials from the Historic Environment Division indicated willingness to discuss the matter with the Department for Infrastructure's Roads officials.