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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are setting up a Newry Canal Regeneration Working Group, with a meeting due to take place in September.
It follows a Newry Canal motion by Newry City Councillor Killian Feehan back in April calling for council to reaffirm its commitment to realising the full potential of the canal and to share best practice with other Councils while also looking at funding opportunities.
The motion also called for all economic assessments relating to the canal to be reviewed and this is to be dealt with by the working group. At the May 2021 Council Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism meeting the "Economic Assessment of Water based Activities" Agenda item was debated in secret, agreed and sent to the Department for Infrastructure. It's widely believed this helped cement the Department's fixed bridge decision, which if it happens will permanently stop tall mast ships gaining access to Newry, even though the Narrow Water Bridge currently being built just a few miles away is designed to allow them access.
Newry.ie understands that the assessment in question concluded that a lifting bridge wouldn't be financially viable and recommended options that essentially would mean that a fixed bridge was the Council commissioned report's 'Preferred Option' from an economic point of view. It's also believed that the report didn't even consider future potential for the canal. (See Councillors muddy the Canal waters over relief road bridge options )
Cllr Feehan has welcomed the establishment of a Newry Canal Regeneration Working Group within Council and says his party, the SDLP has been at the forefront of pushing for the regeneration of the Newry Canal, recognising the immense value it could bring to the local economy, tourism, and overall community wellbeing.
Highlighting the importance of steady progress, Cllr Feehan believes the regeneration of the canal will be a long-term commitment requiring careful planning, resources, and continued focus.
Councillor Feehan said: “This announcement is a welcome step, though it is just the beginning of what will be a long journey. The regeneration of Newry Canal is an ambitious project, but one that is vital for our community. The SDLP has strongly advocated for action on this issue, challenging Council management and pushing for progress at every opportunity. The establishment of the Working Group is a result of that ongoing effort, and we are pleased to see it take shape.
“It is important to recognise that this is not a project that will be completed overnight. It will take time, but every step forward, no matter how small, is a step towards revitalising the canal and making Newry a better place to live, work and raise a family.
The Newry Councillor concluded “The SDLP is committed to ensuring the long-term success of Newry Canal Regeneration and will continue to push for the progress needed to make this vision a reality for the people of Newry and beyond.”
