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How long does it take Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to change a light bulb? Answer - Apparently it can take nearly four years!
The illuminations on at least two signature sculptures in Newry haven't been working in years despite council being informed of the issue way back in April 2022. In their latest reply to Newry.ie a council spokesperson said there is a "query regarding ownership and responsibility for the lighting infrastructure" at the sculptures.
It appears the problem isn't just changing a bulb or two, it's working out who's responsible!
Currently the Merchant City sculpture situated on the much used walkway at Buttercrane Quay has been left in the dark for almost four years. The Newry Navvy sculpture at Canal Street/ Sugar Island hasn't been illuminated in over a year.
The Merchant City sculpture was commissioned in 2014 from Artist Chris Wilson and is shaped like a wave. One side concentrates on illustrations of everyday items from barrels to work tools to laptops and hints at the importance of the printing industry in Newry, the other highlights the historical connections and trade routes between Newry and other parts of the world. The top contains illustrations of various iconic Newry buildings.
over a year. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie
The iconic Newry Navvy was unveiled back in 2011 from Sculptor Barry Linnane at a cost of £40,000. ‘The statue depicts a typical navvy, his tools, luggage and culture, reflecting a life of hard labour and emigration. A bronze plaque & bench is also provided to celebrate the navvy and his story, the Newry Canal, its history and effects on local economic and social life.
Four years ago in April 2022 Newry.ie contacted the council asking if they had plans to fix the lights and if so when. In a reply council said “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will arrange for the lighting at the sculpture along Buttercrane Quay to be repaired."
Two years later in November 2024 it was still in the dark and we enquired again. This time “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council can confirm that replacement parts for the Lighting at Buttercrane Quay have been ordered, however due to supply chain issues delivery has been delayed”.
We contacted them again this month, January 2026 wondering where the lightbulbs had went to, only to be told “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is aware of the lighting issues affecting public art installations at Merchant’s Quay/Sugar Island, including the Newry Navy sculpture.
"There is currently a query regarding ownership and responsibility for the lighting infrastructure at these locations. The Council is actively engaging with relevant public bodies to establish responsibility and agree the appropriate next steps.
"The Council recognises the importance of maintaining public realm assets and will continue to work with partners to seek a resolution.”
On the one hand they recognise the importance of maintaining public realm assets and on the other hand it's not important enough to fix within four years!
Illuminations have a history of being 'put-out' in Newry. For a stage several illuminated fountains were placed in the water along the Merchants quay length of Newry Canal adding a bit of brightness and colour to the area but in 2024 council gave the unusual explanation that “the illuminated water fountains in Newry Canal along Merchants Quay have been removed as they do not meet with current Water Quality Management standards.”
Following our concerns Cllr Doire Finn and Cllr Killian Feehan have brought the matter up with senior council officials. We will update when we hear more.
