Council replies to city in the gutter allegation

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have issued a reply following concerns from a Newry.ie reader regarding what they see as the neglect of Newry Canal and the lack of pride in the city by the public body. The reader said: "It is so frustrating watching the city going further into the gutter". See Reader highlights their concerns around upkeep of Newry city 

Our photograph illustrates that even small issues can remain unfixed for many years with the lights at this beautiful sculpture not working since 2022. At the time council said “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will arrange for the lighting at the sculpture along Buttercrane Quay to be repaired." but over four and a half years later they haven't been!

|n their reply to the readers concerns the council say they are actively working to address maintenance and cleansing concerns with new investment in staff, vehicles and equipment. They also highlighted major regeneration projects and investment they are progressing to improve the city.

A council spokesperson said “The Council acknowledges the concerns raised and is actively working to address issues of cleansing and maintenance in Newry city centre as part of our ongoing commitment to providing a clean and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors."

Speaking about planned projects they added: “The Council is also at the forefront of progressing major regeneration projects and substantial investment in Newry to improve the city for residents, businesses and visitors. To date, the Council has leveraged £30m in public sector funding to support up to £70m investment in Newry City centre and has secured additional financial support through the Newry, Mourne and Down Local Economic Development Partnership (LEP). Combined with other major projects, total investment across the city and surrounding area is in the region of £230m. This significant funding is laying the foundations for a greener, cleaner, more welcoming and an increasingly attractive place to live, but we recognise that major regeneration projects must be supported by an enhanced everyday city experience."

The spokesperson said they are committed to higher standards across Newry. “The Council is therefore strengthening its approach to cleansing and environmental presentation, with a commitment to higher standards across the city. New investment in staff, vehicles and equipment, exploring the use of modern technology to support more effective and responsive service delivery is at the centre of the drive for change."

The spokesperson added that council have developed a new three-year Education and Enforcement Action Plan to tackle issues such as littering and fly-tipping. "This combines public awareness, community engagement and targeted enforcement, to identify issues and focus interventions."

They concluded: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s objective is a cleaner, more attractive Newry that builds civic pride and confidence in the city.”

The spokesperson pointed out that road resurfacing does not fall under Council responsibility.