Write a commentProposals to have Crossmaglen reclassified as a village by Newry, Mourne and Down Council as part of their Local Development Plan, has been criticised by local councillors. The proposals were discussed at Thursdays Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee meeting. Proposals included changing Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton from Local/ Small Town to Village while also suggesting that Bessbrook be reclassified as a Town. It was also proposed that Ballyholland's status changed from Village to Small Settlement and that Warrenpoint/ Burren were considered seperatly with Warrenpoint retaining Town status and Burren Village status.
Contradictory Criteria
Slieve Gullion Cllr Pete Byrne spoke of his shock at the proposals and of the contadictory criteria involved
"I was shocked to find when I was preparing for this month’s Strategic, Policy and Resources Committee that Crossmaglen had been earmarked for reclassification to village status as part of the Council’s Local Development Plan. It’s extraordinary that this proposal was made considering how far Crossmaglen has come in terms of infrastructure development over the last number of years. This is why I proposed during the Committee that Crossmaglen should retain its town status in order for local people to benefit from its continued growth.
"I was also keen to highlight the documents blatant contradiction in its criteria which became the basis for Crossmaglen’s proposed reclassification. In the document it states although some settlements like Crossmaglen have a significant number of services like a Health Care Centre, Fire Station and local Library, its population of only 1608 does not justify it being classified as a small town. However, it later states that population size alone should not dictate the classification alone but take into consideration the range of facilities provided and the ability to serve the wider area."
Cllr Byrne spoke of the benefits town status had on Crossmaglen ‘It’s incredible to think that the reclassification of Crossmaglen from a town to a village came down to contradictory criteria within this document. Without its town status Crossmaglen would not have benefited from developments like the Cross Square Hotel, Casey’s Supermarket and the state of the art Credit Union. In the face of Brexit, this reclassification has the potential to damage the town long term and hinder future infrastructure development. I am delighted that the Committee accepted my proposal and I am hopeful that it will be ratified by full Council next month.’
"Poor Relation" Attitude
Slieve Gullion Cllr Terry Hearty was also determined there will be no change in the status of Crossmaglen as a town stating that this proposal highlighted an unhealthy "poor relation" attitude to the Slieve Gullion area by some in officialdom.
"As I stated clearly at the meeting of this committee, this is a ridiculous proposal. It will not happen. The Committee that discussed the issue accept that, and I fully expect the full Council to pass our recommendation that there will be no change to the town status".
Cllr Hearty continued "I and my Party fought hard to have South Armagh as a region included in our Council area name. We argued at the time that the absence of any recognition of the Slieve Gullion area in the Council area would send out the wrong message and would result in a negative impact on the towns, villages and communities of the area. This ridiculous proposal to change Crossmaglen from a town to a village once again confirms that we in the Slieve Gullion area are seen as the "poor relations". I will not allow this to happen, and will continue to challenge such attitudes and ensure that the South Armagh region is treated equally and respected by all."
