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A Newry pedestrian crossing that was part of a £800,000 scheme back in January 2026 still hasn't been completed. The crossing on the busy New Street in the city aimed to provide a route for cyclists and pedestrians that would make travel between the Newry Canal towpath and canal walkway safer. The scheme also involved the resurfacing of New Street and Canal Quay which has been completed.
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said the Toucan controlled crossing is awaiting a power supply to be programmed by the utility provider. The spokesperson said: ‘The Department can confirm that the scheme is awaiting the crossing’s power supply to be programmed by the utility provider. Once connected, officials will arrange for the toucan crossing to be installed by the contractor.”Funding for the project came from the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities."
When the works were announced back in January, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the funding would help unlock the full potential of the Newry Towpath and Greenway, as set out in the Newry City Centre Masterplan, and explained the improvements will deliver a new safe crossing point and upgrade surface conditions to enhance the route's suitability for walkers, runners and cyclists. Minister Lyons added: "This investment will increase active travel from the Newry Canal Walkway towards the Newry Towpath, making it a safe, accessible, and vibrant sustainable travel corridor.”
The day after this scheme was announced Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins also announced that consultants have been commissioned to progress a Newry Inner City Greenway that would connect the Newry Canal Towpath through the city to the Carlingford Lough Greenway although there seemed to be no urgency to this.
Newry City Councillor, Cllr Valerie Harte also described the scheme as a major delivery for Newry and its communities, saying that her party had been lobbying DFI for a number of years for a crossing at this very busy part of the city.
The works were to be 'substantially' complete by 1 March 2026 but 3 months later the crossing is still not in place.
