SDLP Newry Councillor Michael Savage spoke to a motion on the Albert Basin project at Monday evening’s full meeting for Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
However, Sinn Féin representatives have voiced their concerns following his proposal to adopt the minutes of the Strategy Policy and Resources Committee .
Councillor Michael Savage said: ‘This is the third anniversary of Council in trying to develop the Albert Basin park. It involved the Task and Finish Working Group and Newry 2020.
“The 15-acre site will now be completed by the council and we are now moving to the action stage where the design team will be in place by January and a budget will be agreed for phase one of the work.
‘To ensure the delivery of the project a corporate decision has been made. The SDLP has helped move this project on to the next stage.”
Cllr Savage proposed the Strategy Policy and Resources minutes where the Albert Basin proposal had been finally raised for approval by the full council meeting.
However, Sinn Fein challenged Council Chair Laura Devlin saying it was a “party political broadcast”. Cllr Devlin chairing the meeting said that Cllr Savage had the right to speak as he was speaking to a motion to adopt the minutes of the SPR committee which was seconded by Alan Lewis.
On the minutes of the Strategy Policy and Resources meeting which met ‘in committee’, ie no public or press were present, it was agreed that:
- a 15 acre City Park Project at the Albert Basin in Newry becomes part of the Newry City Centre regeneration scheme project and associated governance.
- the Albert Basin Task and Finish Working Group being discontinued and the project progresses as per the point 1 recommendation.
- the Stakeholder Forum for the Albert Basin continue to meet as required.
Time to stop messing and deliver our Park Say Sinn Féin.
Sinn Féin Councillor Roisin Mulgrew has hit out at other representatives on Council who have tried to turn Newry’s city centre park into a political football.
Speaking after the monthly meeting of the Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr. Mulgrew said: “Tonight, we were prepared to debate and vote on a motion to recommit the Council to a city centre park for Newry – a project overwhelmingly supported by the people of Newry.
“Instead, we saw the SDLP Chair of Council refuse to accept the motion and instead give her party colleague a platform to make a party-political broadcast.
“This messing about is a slap in the face for the members of the community who have campaigned so diligently and relentlessly for the delivery of this park.
“The Council has completed its public consultation on the park, the people have had their say and it’s clear that they want a top-of-the-range city centre park – a green lung for Newry.
“We have allocated considerable money already to ensure a decontamination report is done and a design team can be appointed. Sinn Féin is committed to ensuring the necessary funds are made available at each and every stage of this project.”
Cllr Mulgrew added: “The development of a top-of-the-range city centre park is a priority for us in Sinn Féin, and for the people of this area. I hope that other representatives will work with us to deliver it to the highest standard possible, in the shortest time. This is what the people of Newry deserve.”
“This is an exciting time for development in Newry. Progress is being made on key projects such as our park, our Civic Centre and the Southern Relief Road.
“These projects are essential if we are to grow and develop our city, as we move forward, after a difficult year. I want to thank, on behalf of the whole Sinn Féin team, Newry 2020 and other local community organisations for their commitment to this project and constructive engagement with Councillors, MLAs and our MPs.
“We hope that this will continue as we strive to deliver key projects for the people of Newry and surrounding areas.”
