A court action began in the High Court, Belfast, yesterday challenging a decision banning dogs from a stretch of scenic beach in Co Down.
Mr Thomas Downey (43), of Loanda Crescent, Newry, applied for leave to seek a judicial review of Newry and Mourne District Council's decision to ban dogs from part of Cranfield West beach near Kilkeel.
Mr Downey maintains the decision, which he says is unlawful, means that dog-owners are prevented from exercising their historic right to walk unhindered along the public beach.
Leave to proceed was granted by Mr Justice Kerr, who said replying affidavits had to be lodged within a month.