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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have agreed to grant permission to the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Newry and Portadown Branch to develop a canoe trail on Newry Canal with canoe steps at three points. All the funding and insurance and maintenance would be the responsibility of the IWAI.
The council’s Economy, Regeneration and Tourism committee agreed on Monday 14 October to allow Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) to undertake planning and phased development of the project.
The three potential areas for the canoe steps are Victoria Lock, WIN Industrial Estate and an area behind St Colman’s College.
As the canal is a scheduled monument any works will require the approval of the Historic Environmental Division (HED).
All funding for the project is to be secured by IWAI via funding applications.
Mournes Councillor, Glyn Hanna said: “To develop these waterways would be a massive improvement from what we have at the moment. The harbours especially in Kilkeel aren’t suitable for most canoeing as it’s too polluted.
“To go out to sea or even into Carlingford Lough it’s risky to a certain extent. The waterways at the likes of Victoria Lock and on up towards Scarva would be ideal to develop for a recreational area for water type activities. This would be a massive step forward to our local area.”
Newry City Councillor, Valerie Harte added: “It is great to see the canal being utilised with the canoe trail. It will be very welcomed in the Newry area.”
