All Urged to attend Tomorrow's Park Rally @ 3pm Marcus Square

Tomorrows 'Build the Park' Public Rally will give everyone in Newry and surrounding areas the chance to have their voice heard in support of the long promised public park at the Albert Basin in the City.

We here at Newry.ie have been involved in the Newry 2020 campaign for the park for many years and cannot stress enough how important it is to let those who have the power to make this happen know of the extreme urgency of the Park for all our residents. We urge anyone who can make it tomorrow, from the youngest child to the elder citizen to go along and have your voice heard.

If you haven't seen the video from architect James McConville/ Newry 2020 of what our park could look like, check it out below!

Organised by Unite the Union the Rally is at Marcus Square, Hill Street, Newry tomorrow Saturday 23 October at 3pm.

Councillors from Newry, Mourne and Down Council promised they would build a park by the end of this Council term and here we are, with just over 18 months till the next local Government elections and provision of the facility looks a long long way off! Newry people deserve better.

Speaking of the need for this essential amenity Unite Regional Community Coordinator, Albert Hewitt said “It is a disgrace to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council that they have left plans to develop the Albert Basin into public, green space on the back-burner for so many years. Newry is the only major city in Ireland, north or south, without a park or green space for the public. This has left people, in particular working-class people, in the city – and in surrounding areas – lacking access to what is a vital outdoor amenity. 

“During the Covid pandemic many have sought to raise their spirits and escape the lockdown by going for a walk in green spaces; indeed one of the few benefits of the pandemic has been a growing awareness of our natural environment. For those living in housing estates, with small or no garden spaces, access to a public park is a lifeline; sadly that option was not available for residents in Newry. This situation can’t continue."

Already the rally has gained the support of all the major unions and their members along with many community groups and schools throughout the city.