SDLP Agriculture spokesperson Dolores Kelly has called on ministers and officials to look into developing the fish pass at Toome as a key site for kayaking.

Speaking after meeting representatives of GROW and local supporters of a development project at the site, the Upper Bann MLA said: "The area attracts many kayakers with its constantly moving water, ample parking and easy access to the water.

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"The fish pass is already being used, albeit in an unofficial capacity by the Kayak fraternity.

"Indeed there is an online petition for it to be officially recognised and there is also an untapped potential to use the area for competitive canoeing."

The development is currently hindered by metal bars that lie under the water, and as a boat emerges it tends to strike one of the bars taking plastic from the boat.

Ms Kelly concluded: "As a safety issue if a paddler is flipped up stream they are at risk of hitting the bars head on.

"I have written to the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development to ask her to meet with interested parties and I hope that a positive outcome can be reached to develop the site, which has the capacity to bid for the European Kayaking Championship."

(CD/GK)