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SDLP elected representatives have met with representatives from the Department of Infrastructure to discuss options for a route to provide a cycle linkage between the Albert Basin Greenway and the Newry Canal towpath. It follows comments in June from DFI Minister Nichola Mallon that active travel initiatives would be rolled out in Belfast, Derry and Newry.
The meeting was also attended by local community and business representatives Newry BID and Newry 2020 as well as Sustrans the organisation that promotes space for walking and cycling. The meeting follows recent announcements by Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon of initiatives to promote walking and cycling.
The group walked the route between the Albert Basin and the canal towpath and looked at different options to provide a cycle linkage.
Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty has welcomed the initiative “This is a very exciting opportunity. Not only will it provide an opportunity for safer cycling in the city but it will also bring cyclists into the heart of Newry who would have previously turned back on the towpath or greenway. “
Newry councillors, Michael Savage and Gary Stokes added “We have to make more use of our waterways in Newry and linking the towpath to the greenway will do that. It also links in with our plans for a 15-acre park at Albert Basin.”
Infrastructure for cycling and walking in Newry City has come to the fore since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic with DFI Minister Mallon appointing a Cycling and Walking Champion in her department. In June the Minister announced that active travel initiative pilots had already commenced in Belfast and said "the next phase will see the roll out in Derry and Newry." Since then Derry has Cycling structures put in place along the Foyle so it's now Newry's turn.
A potential route to link the two popular walkways was proposed in May by Newry.ie. You can check it out HERE
