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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) unanimously agreed a motion seeking to develop Newry Canal at Monday's 7 April full council meeting setting in motion actions that in years to come may be seen as the first step to realising the incredible asset that is our canal.
The motion called for information gathering from other areas that have already developed their waterways and the identification of potential funding opportunities that would ultimately lead to the development of the city’s unique waterway.
The local authority move comes as elected reps look to increase pressure on Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Minister Liz Kimmins for a lifting bridge at the canal.
The Lifeblood of a Thriving Newry
Bringing forward the motion, Newry City Councillor Killian Feehan gave an inspirational speech. Cllr Feehan said: "I am asking this Council to imagine a future where Newry Canal, the oldest summit level canal in Ireland or Britain, is not just a relic of the past, but a driver of economic renewal, tourism and community well being, a place where heritage propels opportunity, and where the canal once again becomes the lifeblood of a thriving Newry.
"We already know what is possible. The regeneration of Birmingham's canal has turned industrial decline into economic vibrancy. And closer to home, the Shannon Erne Waterway has shown how thoughtful investment in our waterways can boost local economies, support small business and enhance the everyday lives of those who live in the surrounding area. Newry Canal has that same transformational potential. With targeted and strategic investment, we can create new greenways, entice festivals and events, invite waterside cafes and enterprises and unlock new avenues for tourism and recreation."
The Newry Councillor continued "This isn't just about enhancing aesthetics. It's about creating jobs, boosting footfall for local businesses, increasing property values and building a stronger, more resilient economy. But this is also about quality of life, and let's not lose sight of that ambition to improve and enhance the quality of life for people living in Newry, people who have made the decision to invest their lives in living, working and raising their families in Newry. A revitalised canal means more space for recreation and exercising, socialising, and it means enhancing civic pride, creating places and spaces where families can gather, visitors can linger, and communities can flourish.
"Newry Canal once fuelled trade and prosperity. With vision and commitment It can do so again, but the time to act is now. So I'm urging this council to reimagine Newry Canal, not as a forgotten waterway, but something at the heart of a renewed and prosperous community and as a cornerstone of a brighter, better and more prosperous future for all."
Cllr Feehan's Motion reaffirmed the Council's commitment to the regeneration of Newry Canal as a key recreation, tourism, biodiversity, and economic development asset.
It asked Council to write to local authorities and statutory bodies, in pursuit of best practice learnings, and to request information sharing on waterways strategies and management plans. The motion also requested the council to identify funding opportunities.
Task Group
An amendment was made by Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers, “to form a task group within NMDDC and in conjunction with ABC (Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council) to future plan for the canal”.
Newry Canal is the oldest summit canal in Britain and Ireland, opening in 1742. The canal has two main sections, the inland stretch from Portadown to Newry and the Ship Canal from Newry to Victoria Lock, halfway along Carlingford Lough. The inland section closed to navigation in 1949.
'A future I'd really like to be part of'
A further amendment by Newry City Councillor Doire Finn was also attached to the motion, which will see an independent review of all economic assessments related to Newry Canal. The motion received cross party support in chambers. Cllr Finn's Grandfather was in the Merchant Navy and often sailed down the canal. "From a young age in our household, I've been acutely aware of the importance of the canal for our city.
"Since becoming elected in 2023 I've become a voice to ensure the need for a lifting bridge across our canal is heard, to ensure that we don't stymie the future potential of that canal and the proposals brought forward by Councillor Feehan this evening are an imaginative look towards a future that I'd really like to be a part of"
Game Changer
Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young voiced her call for “the canal to be the jewel in Newry's crown. "I have consistently said over the years that the canal should be the jewel in the crown of Newry. There's so much potential there for tourism, economy and the environment and alongside the new city park, this would be an absolute game changer for the district."
Cllr Young has also engaged with Birmingham City Council on the matter "As a member of Newry Maritime Association, I've engaged already with Birmingham City Council to arrange a virtual meeting with them to discuss how they've rejuvenated and redeveloped their canal. Councillor Feehan and I have already been speaking about that, and he will be included within those meetings as well, and will ensure the collaboration happens. And we'll welcome support from all who wish to see Newry Canal take its rightful place as the jewel in Newry's crown."
Money available in the Mainland
Mournes Councillor Glyn Hanna also suggested it would be great to connect with the rest of the British Isles…with substantial money available in the mainland to develop canals.
"It is a massive attraction, all sorts of potential there for rowing and all sorts of activities."
Cllr Hanna concluded "If we can find the money, it will be a massive help to the area."
A vital part in the future of the city
Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor also urged the council to “encourage those with the necessary investment to bring it to the district… with the council to put proposals on the table”.
He added "As somebody from Newry myself the canal has played an important part of the history of Newry but it does have a lot of potential and it should play a vital part in the future of the city, as well as we seek to benefit from the economic and tourism potential of the area and obviously the financial benefits that that brings to our district."
Cllr Feehan in his summing up thanked each councillor for their input and added that engagement by all in the Task Group had the potential to be "the difference between this being a good idea and something that's actually realised."
DfI’s controversial plans for the Newry Canal are included in the estimated £130m Southern Relief Road, with blueprints for a fixed bridge across the city’s waterway which would bring to an end almost 300 years of maritime history. Campaigners against the fixed bridge plans have called for a public inquiry following the launch of a consultation by the department in January.
Local groups as well as NMDDC are urging the new DfI minister, Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins, to change the design to allow tall ships to pass under the bridge into Albert Basin where the planned Newry City Park is to be built.
Cllr Feehan concluded: “This is something, that if we don’t protect it and enhance it, it is just going to disappear and with it so much of our important heritage and that would dishonour so many generations of people who have come before us in Newry.
“I do agree that the lifting bridge conversation is important here too and that engagement is ongoing and needs to continue because it would undermine our efforts to fully utilise the potential of the canal. I look forward to working with everyone to turn this vision into a reality.”
Newry Canal Motion put forward by Cllr Killian Feehan
"This Council reaffirms its commitment to the regeneration of Newry Canal to realise its full potential as a key recreation, tourism, biodiversity, and economic development asset.
Council will write to the following local authorities and statutory bodies, in pursuit of best practice learnings, and to request information sharing on waterways strategies and management plans;
• Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Leitrim County Council and Cavan County Council (Shannon-Erne Waterway)
• Derry City & Strabane District Council (Foyle Maritime Festival)
• Birmingham City Council (Birmingham Canal Navigations)
• Waterways Ireland
Council will write to the following bodies to request a breakdown of their funding priorities and to identify synergies between funding opportunities and the regeneration of Newry Canal:
• The Shared Island Unit
• The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
• The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Council will also write to:
- The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland
- Chesterfield Canal Trust
Council will also commission an independent review of all economic assessments related to Newry Canal to ensure our decision-making is informed by best practice in heritage economics and aligned with international standards, with findings to be presented to Council no later than six months from this motion's passing.
Also agree that a task group be set up within Council and in conjunction with ABC Council to future plan for the Canal with a vision to make it a tourist attraction for both areas to boost tourism and bring much needed investment along the length of this historic canal.”
Additional reporting Columba O'Hare
