Write a commentActions speak louder than words and this is being demonstrated by two groups from Newry, Inland Waterway Association of Ireland (Newry and Portadown branch) and Newry Maritime Association who are arranging tomorrow to undertake a major clean up of both the Albert Basin and Newry River bank.
Inland Waterway Association annually clean up the Albert Basin, however this year the clean up was moved forward in preparation for the visit of Rowing Ireland – Olympic time trials scheduled to take place on Newry Ship Canal on 11 and 12 February 2012. Newry and Mourne District Council’s Technical Leisure Services Department assisted the group through the provision of bin bags, collection and disposal of the waste and advice with regards Health and Safety issues.
Mr Jim Mc Corry, Director of Technical and Leisure Services Department, advised that the Council was not responsible for the cleansing of the riverbank but added that the Council was happy to be involved with the two voluntary organisations to undertake such clean-ups on the stretch of the riverbanks which ran through the town centre. Mr Mc Corry concluded by advising that such an initiative was included in the Council’s National Spring Clean programme and that the Council would be involved in further clean-ups with voluntary and community groups during the incoming month.
Mayor Charlie Casey said “I would like to thank both groups for taking the initiative to clean up the riverbank and the Albert Basin. it is very important that residents from Newry and Mourne know the importance of maintaining Newry Canal as The Canal is steeped in history and was the first summit level canal in the British Isles with 14 locks between its entrance at Carlingford Lough and Lough Neagh”.
Mr Peter Maxwell, Chairman of Inland Waterways Association of Ireland said “Inland Water Ways moved their annual clean up of Albert Basin forward to ensure the ship canal is in pristine condition for the arrival of the athletes from Rowing Ireland, he added "IWAI is keen to encourage greater use of the canal facilities that already exist. We see the basin as a great venue for canoeing or dinghy sailing, especially as a safe training ground for children and our programme for 2012 is working towards making the canal a better venue for that.
James McAreavey Public Relations Officer, Newry, Maritime Association said “The group were delighted to be involved in this joint civic action event with Newry and Mourne District Council and given the importance of the visit of Rowing Ireland to Newry Ship Canal it is imperative that we showcase our waterways in the best possible light”.
