Council CEO meets with Archbishop to smooth way forward on Newry parking issue
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has released a statement following a meeting with the Archbishop over issues relating to city centre development and parking in the vicinity of the cathedral in Newry.
Council Chief Executive Ms Ward said: “The meeting with Archbishop Eamon Martin, was open and transparent, we discussed among other things the challenges that have occurred in relation to the proposed development of the Newry Civic Hub.xa0
“It was acknowledged that a level of trust has been damaged between the Council and members of the Cathedral Parish community.xa0 The Archbishop and myself fervently agreed that we want to work together to rebuild that trust.
“The Council has listened to the concerns of the parish and local businesses in relation to car parking and will present options to stakeholders in early 2022 that we believe will address those concerns.xa0
“As a Council, it is vitally important and is our desire to work with the community and the parish in a progressive manner during this exciting phase of development and delivery. As we move through the design phases there will be opportunities for the local community and the parish to shape aspects of the project.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin set out the concerns of the parish and the business community in relation to the development of the Abbey Way Site. He said: “On behalf of my parishioners, I wish to convey in particular their concerns, which I understand are shared by a number of business representatives, regarding car parking and any potential impact the new development would have on the historical setting of the city’s Cathedral.”xa0
Archbishop Martin added, “It is crucial that I communicate to the Council on behalf of the parish and the diocese, the significance and importance of the Cathedral and its surrounds.xa0As their Apostolic Administrator, it is important that I raise their concerns and do what I can to help rebuild a way forward in working with the Council.”
The Archbishop also said that he would encourage the parish and business community to consider and contribute to the opportunities of regeneration that are being presented at this time.
Archbishop Eamon Martin and Ms Ward concluded the meeting by agreeing that the Council has work to do to win the hearts and minds of the people of Newry and the community in relation to the regeneration of Abbey Way.”
