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The Newry and Portadown branch of the Inland Waterways Association Ireland has welcomed Newry being included in a three city enterprise along with Belfast and Derry looking at active travel initiatives for the city centre with Dfi Minister Nichola Mallon appointing a new Walking and Cycling Champion. Who will be tasked to develop creative solutions to support a new way of life during and post COVID-19.
A IWAI spokesman stated "Since the onset of the Coronavirus crisis our Association members between Newry and Portadown have observed now more so than ever a marked increase of usage of the Newry Canal Towpath by cyclists and pedestrians benefiting from open spaces, health and mental wellbeing.
"So plans in Newry to increase the space available for people who want to walk and cycle by extending pavements, pedestrianising streets and introducing pop-up cycle lanes should be given serious consideration when you factor in the benefits enjoyed elsewhere.
"Our Association has observed missed opportunities in the past in relation to providing cycling infrastructure and routes such was the case during the construction of the Newry Canal pedestrian promenade along Buttercrane and Merchants Quays where a cycling lane should have been provided.
"We believe that any new active travel initiatives such as new cycling and pedestrian routes in Newry city centre should act as a central link to established such routes north and south of the city, Newry Canal Towpath to the north which our volunteers constantly maitain and the Newry Greenway to the south.
"A National Route 9 already exists and also part of the Ulster Way between Newry and Portadown and this was made possible when in partnership, Sustrans and then District Councils embarked upon a significant upgrade of the Towpath between 1998 and 2000 laying a tarmac path.
"Since then it has grown in popularity and has seen improvements taking place, including seating, signage and artworks. To the other side of our city is the 5.7m Newry Greenway which stretches to Victoria Lock which opened in May 2018 forming a section of the Carlingford Greenway.
"We urge the new Walking and Cycling Champion when looking for travel initiatives such as cycling and pedestrian routes in Newry to link these to the Newry Canal Towpath and the Newry Greenway two solutions in place to accommodate social distancing, a greener, cleaner and healthier way of life."
