McNulty to challenge Department for Infrastructure for 'Signing a Death Warrant' for Newry Canal

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has written to the Department for Infrastructure asking for a meeting with the departments most senior civil servant to challenge the decision to adopt a non-opening fixed bridge for the Southern Relief Road project. The Newry and Armagh pubic representative rejecting the decision said he doesn't believe the Department has the authority to make that decision for the people.

He believes it would signal the death of Newry Shipping Canal.

Mr McNulty said: “I am deeply disappointed that the Department for Infrastructure has decided that they want the Southern Relief Road Project to proceed without a facility to allow tall ships or boats to pass through the waterway.

“I am strongly opposed to this decision, not just because it is bad news for Newry, but because I do not believe that the Department has the authority to make that decision on behalf of our people. That decision can, and should, only be made by a Minister for Infrastructure. 

“Newry’s maritime history is a rich part of our heritage. Our waterways were the bedrock of commerce and industry in our region. We have the oldest shipping canal on these islands and at a time when we have seen an announcement of significant investment in the regeneration of the Ulster Canal, it is unacceptable that the Department for Infrastructure is comfortable with signing a death warrant for Newry Canal.

“Every political party in this region is committed to the delivery of the Albert Basin Park. How then can it make sense to completely cut the Albert Basin off from shipping and boating?

“Newry deserves better than decisions being made by unelected officials in offices in Belfast without a jot of consultation with the local community. I have requested an urgent meeting with the most senior civil servant in the Department for Infrastructure to challenge this decision and ultimately get it reversed. I would urge other elected representatives, community groups, and local citizens to join me in opposing this short-sighted and damaging decision for Newry."