Council still awaiting Department for Infrastructure's decision on Newry City Park Planning Approval

Over two weeks after Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Planning Committee agreed unanimously to approve planning permission for Newry City Park, council are still waiting to hear back from the Department for Infrastructure whether if it will trigger an option to call in the city park planning approval for review.

At the approval on 2 September, Council explained the DfI had to be informed due to the 2015 Banbridge, Newry and Mourne Area Plan indicating the site was for residential and commercial development, ie the change of use to a park needed to be endorsed by the department.

DfI have said the council notified them on 10 September 2026 regarding the Newry City Park planning application, 8 days after it was approved at planning.

“The department is currently assessing the notification and will, in due course, decide whether the application should be referred to it for determination.”

The new park is set to transform the Albert Basin into a vibrant, inclusive green space where people can relax, enjoy nature and take part in community events.

Reporting from Donal McMahon, Local Democracy Reporter and additional reporting from Columba O'Hare