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A motion concentrating on applying for funding for Newry based projects including the Albert Basin park has been put forward at the monthly meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The motion was put by Councillor Cadogan Enright and will be discussed at the Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee, most likely next week.
Entitled 'Funding for Cross Border and Active Travel' the motion asks Council to appoint an officer to identify within a month, funding for cross border tourism and active travel specifically including applications for the remainder of funding for the Albert Basin Park, Omeath Road cycle expressway and connective cycle lanes/ greenways between Newry and Rostrevor.
The Department of Finance awarded £16.2m for the Albert Basin park in December 2021. Council say the project will take over £30m but have yet to seek funding for the shortfall.
The Motion
This council recognises the opportunity presented by cross-border tourism and the importance of active travel for healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. It also recognises the key role that projects such as the Narrow Water Bridge and Albert Basin Park can play in supporting this.
Council will appoint an officer responsible for identifying funding for cross border tourism and active travel in the area within a month of this motion being passed. and Council will formally write to the Southern Government’s Shared Island Unit expressing their interest in submitting a formal application for a number of projects which will support cross border tourism and active travel in the area.
This will specifically include applications for
1. the remainder of funding for the Albert Basin Park project,
2. an Omeath Road cycle expressway, and
3. connective cycle lanes and greenways between Newry city centre and Rostrevor to link to the Mournes Way as part of restoring the Ulster Way.
