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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has outlined her department's plans for Newry, covering rail investment, road upgrades and a wastewater breakthrough. She was speaking at a recent Newry Chamber Fireside Event focused on economic opportunity for the area.
Minister Kimmins said Newry's location on the Belfast-Dublin corridor made it uniquely significant. "I am happy to be part of this discussion and as local elected representative I know how uniquely important this area's location is on the Belfast-Dublin corridor."
On rail, she pointed to growing passenger numbers on the Enterprise service following increased frequency, and confirmed a major investment in the fleet. "The recent announcement of investment of £548m for a major upgrade of the Enterprise train fleet which includes around £200 million from my Department will deliver a transformed cross-border rail service, with faster, more reliable journeys between Belfast and Dublin, while also supporting the decarbonisation of our transport network."
The Minister was equally firm on road infrastructure. "My commitment to the A1 junctions and Southern Relief Road is unwavering because the delivery of both projects are hugely beneficial for the Greater Newry area and I will do all that I can to ensure their delivery."
She also highlighted progress on a long-standing issue for the city. NI Water has identified new solutions to unlock wastewater connections in the Newry area, with capacity to support development for up to 10 years based on currently identified projects. This includes approximately 400 new connections covering both housing and business premises.
"I was delighted when NI Water announced that it had found new and innovative solutions to unlocking wastewater connections in the Newry area," the Minister said.
