Council recognises importance of 'maintaining Newry City to a high standard'

Several areas around Newry City weren't planted with flowers, or maintained, up until the end of June because of the need for 'additional training' by Council staff due to their locations.

Newry.ie had noticed what seemed a lack of care in the city in regard to keeping weeds down and planting of flowers. We asked Newry, Mourne and Down District Council what was happening and did Council realise the importance of keeping the city "looking cared for'.

In reply a spokesperson said “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recognises the importance of maintaining Newry City to a high standard and ensuring it presents a welcoming and well-cared-for environment for residents, businesses and visitors."

We identified areas on the banks of Newry Canal along Buttercrane Quay and Merchants Quay that are overrun with weeds and other invasive species and pointed out the lack of planting in several wooden boats that are specifically located there for the purpose of holding flowers. We also identified areas at Abbey Way where untended banks looked much better than the ones that should be tended.

The Council spokesperson said: "There are specific health and safety requirements associated with grass cutting at some of the locations identified. At the narrow canal bank area, Council staff are currently undertaking treatment of invasive vegetation as part of ongoing maintenance at this waterside location."

Commenting on Abbey Way the spokesperson said that while they don't own it it is maintained by them as a goodwill gesture. "Abbey Way is not Council-owned land but is maintained by the Council as a goodwill gesture. Recent risk assessments identified the need for additional training before grass cutting could be undertaken at both Abbey Way and the canal bank boat area. This training has now been completed and the required maintenance works have been carried out."

They added: "Any remaining seasonal displays will be planted over the next two to three working days.”

Boats have now been planted and grass cutting done at several locations although the stretch along the Canal at Newry Bus Station still does not give the impression that our city is well-cared-for to visitors.