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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has provided an update on Newry's flood alleviation works confirming that Phase 2 planning is now underway with a preferred option identified that will see flood defences constructed along the Newry River through the city centre and a new flow control system on the Newry Canal.
The Minister also revealed that discussions are ongoing with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council about potentially fast-tracking some flood works around Newry Town Hall as part of the Council's Theatre Conference Centre Project.
It follows a question from Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty asking the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the Newry flood alleviation works and details of works that have been completed to date.
In her reply Minister Kimmins said: "My Department is currently progressing the Newry flood alleviation scheme. Phase 1 of the scheme was completed in 2023 at a cost of £2.9m. The works included upgrading sections of the existing culvert network on the Armagh and Downshire Roads, an upgraded culvert inlet screen and the construction of new flood walls along the Knox-Pebbles Drain at Greenbank Industrial Estate.
"Development of Phase 2 continues following the identification of a preferred option in 2024. The preferred option will involve construction of flood defences along the Newry River through Newry City and construction of a flow control mechanism on the Newry Canal to the north of the city. Work on assessing this preferred option in terms of economic and environmental viability has commenced and this stage will include development of an Outline Business Case as well as an environmental screening exercise."
The minister added: "The project team are continuing to actively engage with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council regarding the potential for accelerated delivery of a section of the proposed Phase 2 works in the vicinity of Newry Town Hall through the Council's Theatre Conference Centre Project.
"It is intended that a study on Phase 3 will commence soon which will consider upstream water storage and a further study will commence in autumn 2025 which will consider the tidal flood risk in Newry."
