Minister to Review decision to put Fixed Bridge over Newry Ship Canal

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Yachts travelling up Newry Ship Canal from Victoria Lock. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has said that he is going to review the decision to have a 50m span fixed bridge over the Newry Ship Canal. The decision to build a fixed bridge as part of the Newry Southern Relief Road scheme would sign the death warrant for the ship canal.

In the absence of the assembly the DfI Permanent Secretary made the decision in March 2023 to include a fixed bridge over the canal as part of the road that is proposed to take traffic from the Warrenpoint Dual Carriageway to the A1 Belfast Dublin road. See DfI claim concern on 'adversely' impacting Newry Canal yet forge ahead with fixed bridge

Minister O'Dowd was replying to an Assembly question from MLA Justin McNulty. Mr McNulty asked the Minister "for an update on the Southern Relief Road; and (ii) whether a bridge solution will be incorporated to facilitate the entry of tall ships into the Albert Basin, Newry." Following the reply Mr McNulty is encouraging local people and community groups to contact the Minister and their local representatives directly to make their voices heard and bring local pressure to bear.

In his reply the Infrastructure Minister said "Newry Southern Relief Road is nearing the completion of the specimen design, the preparation of the draft Statutory Orders, and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), in advance of undertaking a statutory public consultation. The draft Orders and EIAR are expected to be published in Spring 2024, based on a decision taken under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022 that a 50m span fixed bridge over the Newry Ship Canal was the preferred option.

"The decision was taken after detailed consideration of a range of factors, including engineering, economic, heritage impact and environmental assessments including the impact on the Scheduled Monument of Newry Canal."

Announcing his decision to review the fixed bridge Minister O'Dowd added "I am going to review the decision taken under the NI Executive Formation Act to have a 50m span fixed bridge over the Newry Ship Canal . I am very conscious of the need to advance the building of the Newry Southern Relief Road given the huge benefits it will bring to the residents and businesses of Newry both economically and environmentally. With this in mind I will confirm the outcome of my review within a number of weeks."

The fact that currently Narrow Water Bridge is being progressed just a couple of miles away which will see an opening bridge allowing tall ships into the canal should also play a part in the reversal of this decision. Newry.ie has asked local Sinn Fein Councillors if they will be lobbying the Minister. We will let you know the reply when received.

Review and Reverse - An affront to Newry's Maritime Heritage

Commenting following the Minister's answer Mr McNulty said "The Department for Infrastructure’s decision to recommend a fixed bridge over Newry Canal needs to be reviewed and reversed. Local people and stakeholders have made their views clear, and our local Council has made its position clear. A fixed bridge would be an affront to Newry’s maritime heritage and it is unacceptable to our local community.

"The Minister for Infrastructure needs to do the right thing and follow the wishes of the people of Newry. Rather than wait for a public consultation, I would encourage local people and community groups to contact the Minister and their local representatives directly to make their voices heard and bring local pressure to bear.

"Newry’s proud maritime heritage, as well as future tourism potential, must be preserved and protected."