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MLA Liz Kimmins has spoken of the need for a deep clean of Newry city centre with senior council officials, after raising concerns about the condition of the footpaths and the Clanrye River. Kimmins who is currently Infrastructure Minister said she has been advised the work will be completed in the coming weeks, with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in the process of procuring a specialist contractor to carry it out.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said: "In recent weeks it has become evident that the centre of Newry is in need of a deep clean, particularly our footpaths which have become increasingly dirty and sticky. I have brought this to the council's attention and have been advised that this work will be completed in the coming weeks. The council are also in the process of procuring a specialist deep cleaning contractor to carry out this work across the district."
Kimmins said the move follows on from Sinn Féin's local 'Iúr Clean Trá' campaign last year, which saw £1.2 million invested by the council for increased work to keep Newry clean and litter free. She said: "The Sinn Féin team in Newry have been working hard on keeping Newry clean and litter-free for some time now, we were really pleased that these efforts resulted in a significant investment in the Council's cleansing services last year, but we must ensure this momentum is sustained and we will continue to do that."
The MLA also raised the condition of the Clanrye River with council officials. Currently there is a large silt bank covered in weeds and debris. She said: "The condition of the Clanrye River has also been raised with us, and I have asked Council, as the riparin owner for the waterway, to address this urgently too."
Kimmins added: "Sinn Féin will continue to work hard to ensure our towns, villages and cities are maintained to a high standard so that the people who live and work here can be proud of them and we continue to attract visitors who want to shop, stay and socialise in our district."
