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South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has put a submission in to the Department for Infrastructure's consultation on the Newry Southern Relief Road expressing his party's opposition to any plans for a fixed bridge over Newry Canal.
The DfI consultation on the Newry Southern Relief Road is drawing to a close at 5pm today and you can let DfI know your thoughts at: Southern.sri@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
In his formal consultation response the Alliance MLA for South Down, wrote: “As MLA for South Down, which includes parts of Newry, I would like to comment on the Department’s plans to construct a road bridge with a minimum headway of 12.00 metres over a width of 10.00 metres over part of the navigable waters of the Newry Canal. This has the potential to prevent tall ships and many of the yachts in the Albert Basin from accessing the Newry Canal, which could have a negative impact on visitors, residents, tourism and the local economy. For this reason, I am opposed to a fixed bridge over Newry Canal and would like to seek assurances that any bridge constructed as part of the scheme will be opening to provide maximum access.”
Cllr Helena Young, who has been representing the party in Newry for many years before becoming Councillor for Slieve Croob, has consistently opposed a fixed bridge ever since the plans first emerged. In May 2023 Cllr Young said: “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 added: “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."
