Write a commentAn application for planning permission by Southern Regional College to remove an existing boundary wall at the front of their East Campus building has resulted in local residents calling for a protest tomorrow Saturday 1 September 3pm, at the site in support of keeping the structure.
On a facebook post a Ballybot residents spokesperson comments "We are calling on all our residents to attend a meeting outside the SRC in Patrick St. on Saturday @ 3pm. We are objecting to the proposed demolition of the last remaining section of the perimiter wall of the former cattle and pig market. This is one of the last remaining artefacts from our historic built heritage predating the Famine by almost 30 years. Help us to protect this very important feature of old Ballybot and come along on Saturday. We have lost so much of old Newry and now its time to say no to the planners loud and clear."
The application to remove the wall states that it "will open up the building to be more visible to the public and highlight the range of facilities and courses being offered."
The application continues "We are looking to remove to the existing wall to ground level matching the existing footpath with an ash felt coating and using street bollards similar to Manchester type to mark the boundary line and provide security from cars driving over the public footpath. No change will be made to the vehicular entrance and the site will be secured using removable bollards."
Newry & Armagh MP Mickey Brady has spoken of the proposal “As one who was born and raised in this community I share the concerns of many that an important part of our built heritage could be lost and will oppose this planning application. I will work with the local community and to ensure that our objections are heard at the highest level and that they are addressed”.
"I have been in contact with the Planners and conveyed to them the objections raised with me by many local residents. I also will raise those concerns with the Chief Executive of Newry Mourne & Down Council who I am due to meet. The Mart was a key part of Ballybot’s and Newry’s social and economic life and cannot be demolished out of our history”.
Mr Brady also has been speaking to senior management from the SRC. “I believe there is now a clear understanding within the Southern Regional College Management of the very genuine concerns by many about the proposal and the depth of opposition to the dismantling of this iconic Wall.
"What is needed now is a discussion with the local community and all other appropriate stakeholders with the aim in resolving the issue and ending the current dilemma”
