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Newry 2020 with help from UNITE the Union have launched a campaign to ensure that Newry Ship Canal is kept navigable. It follows an announcement in recent weeks that the Department for Infrastructure are planning to build a fixed bridge over the canal as part of the Southern Relief Road.
Their 'No Boats No Votes' initiative is aimed at Local Government Election candidates in this area, ultimately with the suggestion that the public should give 'No votes for politicians who won't protect our Heritage!' and the politicians should publiclly commit to no fixed bridge over Newry Ship Canal.
Brian Cleland, Chair, Newry 2020 said "Newry people and the local community are sending a clear message to would-be elected representatives and local parties that we will not tolerate the destruction of our unique heritage"
Their Facebook page explains "Almost exactly two years ago, on 10 May 2021, Newry, Mourne and Down councillors sent a report to the Deparment for Infrastructure recommending that a fixed bridge should be built over our historic Ship Canal. Just a few weeks ago, DFI confirmed that they intend to build a fixed bridge, as per the council's recommendation.
Make no mistake - if this plan goes ahead, then over 250 years of history will be destroyed, and Newry's historic Ship Canal will be closed forever to almost all masted vessels! This is totally unnacceptable, and we are asking candidates for the upcoming May elections to make amends - by publicly committing to NO FIXED BRIDGE over Newry Ship Canal.
"In the coming weeks, we will be asking for your support in sending a clear message to candidates, canvassers and local parties"
Already a host of posters conveying the message have appeared on lamp posts around the city.
Check out their Facebook page at NoBoatsNoVotes
