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The Alliance Party are calling for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to take an urgent appraisal of the situation surrounding the Department for Infrastructure's proposed fixed bridge over Newry Ship Canal. The party has opposed proposals to install a fixed bridge over the Canal since 2020. As part of the Southern Relief Road the DfI is planning to build a 12m clearance fixed bridge over Newry Ship Canal.
Once in place, it has the potential to prevent not just tall ships, but also many of the yachts in the Albert Basin, from being able to get into the Newry Canal, with the potential of negatively impacting visitors, residents, and the local economy.
Cllr Helena Young stated in May 2023: “I am unequivocally opposed to a fixed bridge over Newry Canal. The canal should be the jewel in the crown of Newry, and it should be enhanced and developed to enable all boats to access the Albert Basin. A fixed bridge could effectively cut many off from being able to at all.
“In conjunction with the City Park, the Albert Basin and the connected Greenway can transform this area of the city and not only have a significantly positive impact on the health and well-being of our residents and visitors, but also give a boost to our local economy and tourism.”
Alliance NMD group leader, Jill Truesdale, has said: “As one of the statutory consultees, Newry Mourne and Down Council must conduct an urgent appraisal of the situation surrounding the Newry Canal, the oldest summit level canal in Ireland, and the proposed opening of a fixed bridge over it.
“The ability to future proof the structure and ensure its maintenance as a point of local cultural heritage for generations to come is of paramount importance."
Correspondence from the DfI regarding is on the agenda for Monday night's 3 February meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council including notification of the Newry Canal Bridge (Northern Ireland) Order 2025 and also details of vesting orders in Fathom and Flagstaff.
