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Council are to look for funding from DFI and other funders for two active travel routes involving Newry City following the completion of two feasibility studies earlier this year.
It follows the approval of a Newry City Greenway Feasibility Study by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council at last night's November meeting of the Newry, Mourne and Down Council Enterprise Regeneration and Tourism Committee (14/11/22). A Newry to Warrenpoint/ Rostrevor Greenway Feasibility Study was also approved on the night.
The Newry City Greenway would link Newry Canal Towpath to the Carlingford Lough Greenway on a route it is understood, would pass along a substantial section of the land between Newry Canal and the Clanrye River. It would compliment the public realm work planned for the new theatre/ Newry Town Hall complex.
It is expected that work on both Greenways would be completed in sections. The Newry Greenway has been broke down into: WIN to Canal Quay Bridge, Canal Quay Bridge to Sugar Island Bridge, Sugar Island Bridge to Needham Bridge, Needham Bridge to Ballybot Bridge and Ballybot Bridge to Dublin Bridge/ William Street.
The studies were presented to Newry and Crotlieve DEA in September. Perhaps the most challenging Newry section would be the Needham Bridge to Ballybot Bridge section where Newry Bus Station is located. It's understood that several route options were looked at during the Newry City Greenway study. The reccommended option was put before both DEA.
The Newry to Warrenpoint/ Rostrevor Greenway study was also broken into sections with the still to be built Narrow Water Bridge forming part of the plan. Sections examined were: Victoria Lock to Narrow Water Bridge, Narrow Water Bridge to Warrenpoint Town Centre, Warrenpoint Dual Carriageway and Warrenpoint to Rostrevor (via main road and Right of Way routes.)
Short, medium and long term objectives have been put forward for both studies.
At last nights meeting it was agreed to approve the development of elements identified in both studies, submit funding applications as opportunities arise in the near future and thus proceed to further project design stages.
The recommendations were proposed by Newry City Councillor, Gary Stokes and seconded by Rowallane Cllr Terry Andrews.
Speeding up Delivery
Before the Assembly Executive collapsed in October Infrastructure Minister at the time John O’Dowd spoke of the need to develop more greenways. Minister O'Dowd said: “Given the climate emergency, it is important that more greenways are developed so that people are encouraged to walk, wheel and cycle rather than use other forms of transport to help reduce our carbon emissions and improve health and wellbeing. The responsibility for greenway development rests with Councils and whilst much good progress has been made, I have decided that my Department will take a greater role in the delivery of greenways to help push this work forward.
“This new delivery model is still being developed, however Councils will still have a lead role and the projects would continue to be funded jointly. My officials will be in contact with Councils as work progresses to discuss the new delivery model and how we can better work together to speed up delivery. Public consultation will continue to be a key aspect in taking forward projects in local areas."
