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Despite resistance locallyto the Newry Southern Relief Road scheme, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has today announced that he is continuing to progress the project and has signed off on the publication of draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the project which plans to link the Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the A1 Dublin to Belfast road.
A total of £93.4m has been awarded for the scheme by the Belfast Region City Deal, the largest sum awarded to any project in the City Deal remit. Delivery of the new road is estimated to be between £110m and £130m and currently the shortfall isn't budgeted for. The timescales for progressing to procurement and construction will depend upon this and other factors including the need for a public inquiry.
Campaigners have criticised the project which plans to build a fixed bridge across Newry Ship Canal which will bring to an end access for tall ships and yachts which can currently travel through Victoria Lock, all the way into the heart of the city to Albert Basin. Flagstaff and Fathom residents and a group 'Can't Fathom It' have also condemned the project citing the damage it will cause to the area especially Bensons Glen.
The draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Statutory Orders for the scheme will be published 21 January on the Department for Infrastructure's website.
The Minister has also announced that a staffed Orders Exhibition Day will be held at Newry Leisure Centre, Cecil Street, Newry, on Tuesday 21 January 2025. The formal consultation will then take place for a period of six weeks where the information will be available to view online and at Newry Leisure Centre and various other locations.
Minister O’Dowd said: “I am committed to the delivery of the Newry Southern Relief Road Scheme, and I am pleased to confirm that I have signed off on the publication of the draft Statutory Orders and the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for this significant scheme.
“The scheme will help to relieve traffic congestion within Newry City centre, reduce journey travel times for strategic traffic, improve road safety and enhance the city centre environment. The scheme will also provide significant opportunities for the enhancement and reshaping of Newry City centre to promote sustainable travel choices.
“To help keep the local community informed about progress with the scheme, my Department is holding a staffed Orders Exhibition Day at Newry Leisure Centre, Cecil Street, Newry, on Tuesday 21 January. This will provide an opportunity to engage with Departmental staff and the engineering consultants who can provide detail on work to date and the next steps in progressing the scheme.”
The exhibition display of the proposed scheme will be available from Tuesday 21 January to Tuesday 4 March 2025 inclusive at Newry Leisure Centre from 10am-9pm
The exhibition will also be available between 21 January to 4 March at the following locations:
DfI Headquarters, James House, 2-4 Cromac Avenue, Belfast, BT7 2JA
DfI Southern Division, Marlborough House, Central Way, Craigavon, BT64 1AD
DfI Newry Section Office, 3 Springhill Road, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, BT35 6EF
Newry Leisure Centre, Cecil Street, Newry, BT35 6AU
Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle, Castle Street, Newry BT34 2BY
Newry City Library, 79 Hill Street Newry Down BT34 1DG
You may make representation at the venue, or by email, letter and telephone.
Email: southern.sri@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
Address: Major Projects Team South, DfI, Marlborough House, Central Way, Craigavon, BT64 1AD
Telephone: (028) 3832 0409
Project information is available at the Department’s website: www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
