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Newry City Councillor Killian Feehan has called for the reallocation of £30 million in City Deal funding for the redevelopment of the landmark Newry Canal, following confirmation that the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project will no longer proceed.
Cllr Feehan believes capitalising on the funding, originally allocated for the gondola project under the Belfast Region City Deal, is a timely opportunity to redirect capital investment to a deliverable and regionally significant initiative within Newry, Mourne and Down District.
Cllr Feehan said: “With the Mourne Gateway project no longer progressing, it is essential that this investment remains within the district. My proposal for the development of Newry Canal & Maritime Quarter is ambitious, achievable, and strategically aligned with both City Deal priorities and regional tourism development."
Speaking of his "Newry Canal & Maritime Quarter" proposal the Newry councillor has suggested
- Water Sports and Marina Hub – Albert Basin: A multi-activity water sports facility and marina.
- Maritime Museum and Visitor Experience: A digitally-enabled, immersive museum celebrating Newry’s maritime and industrial heritage.
- Connected Greenways and Active Travel Network: Builds on the completed Newry - Carlingford Greenway, with a strategic extension north along the canal towpath to Portadown.
- Integration with Newry City Park: Creating a high-quality visitor destination within the city.
- Environmental and Landscape Enhancements: Ecological improvements and green infrastructure to enhance biodiversity.
- Cross-Border and Shared Island Alignment: Harnessing the potential for future cross-border collaboration on marine tourism, trail networks, and cultural initiatives.
Cllr Feehan continued “My proposal focuses on the regeneration of Newry’s historic canal and the Albert Basin as a sustainable tourism and community destination. Through my engagement with the community on this issue, I have struck by the quality of input and innovative ideas that people have offered in relation to the development of the Canal. I have ensured that many of those suggestions featured in my proposal to the Council.
“This proposal supports inclusive growth, low-carbon travel, active lifestyles, and heritage-led regeneration — all central to the goals of the Belfast Region City Deal. It also aligns with Shared Island Unit priorities by strengthening cross-border tourism connectivity."
The Newry City councillor continued “The SDLP has consistently supported the restoration of Newry Canal as a long-term economic and cultural asset. The opportunity now exists to deliver a high-impact, well-aligned project that has local support and regional significance.
“It is vital that we act swiftly to retain momentum and ensure the district benefits from funding that was previously committed. I am asking partners at all levels to back this proposal and help to secure meaningful, future-focused investment for Newry.”
