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“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has welcomed yesterday's announcement from Department for Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon regarding her appointment of a new walking and cycling champion to create safe spaces and ‘quiet streets’ for cyclists and pedestrians. Investigative work is also ongoing by the council regarding a community trail at Daisy Hill in Newry.
A council spokesperson said "Sustainable travel, including the provision of cycle and walking paths and the creation of ‘quiet’ spaces, enables residents to be part of a cleaner, greener environment and will improve people’s health and wellbeing."
The spokesperson also spoke of the ongoing work on the Carlingford Lough Greenway "The Council recognises the benefits of such paths and is currently working alongside Louth County Council on the delivery of the Carlingford Lough Greenway Project, funded by the INTERREG VA Programme. When complete this project will deliver a 20km stretch of path from Carlingford to Newry."
Community Trails
Since 2015 the Council has also worked in partnership with Outdoor Recreation NI and in consultation with local communities they have delivered a number of community trails across the Council’s seven District Electoral Areas (DEAs), worth c.£1.5 million.
A series of community trails are presently under construction including Corry Wood, Annsborough; Drumkeeragh Forest, Castlewellan; Seaforde Plantation Wood, Seaforde; and, Tievenadarragh Forest, Drumanaess. These are in addition to completed trails at Bunkers Hill, Castlewellan; The Hinch Trail, Ballynahinch Rugby Football Club, Ballynahinch; Saul Family Trail, Saint Patricks Gaelic Athletic Club, Saul; and, Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar.
Scoping works on an additional four community trails are currently being review at present in the following areas:
Daisy Hill, Newry; Glendesha Forest, Forkhill; Aughrim Hill, Attical and, Windmill Hill, Ballynahinch.
The council spokesperson concluded "The Council looks forward to working collaboratively with DfI, other agencies and local communities to seek to identify and develop further paths and ‘quiet spaces’ across our district.”
