Council Welcomes Funding for Three Greenways in Newry Mourne and Down
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has welcomed the announcement of funding from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to carry out feasibility work on three new Greenways across the district.
The funding was announced this week by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins as part of the Department’s continued support for councils to develop active travel and greenways infrastructure.
The funding will support feasibility studies and design work on three priority Greenway routes identified within the Council’s 10-year Active Travel Masterplan.
These include the Newry Canal Towpath route from Newry City to Poyntzpass, forming part of the wider Newry to Portadown Greenway and two key branches of the Newcastle to Comber via Downpatrick Greenway – the Downpatrick to Ardglass route and the Ballynahinch Spur between Saintfield and Ballynahinch.
All three routes were identified through extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement and score highly within DfI’s Strategic NI Greenways Ranking Index.
The Council will now progress the procurement of a specialist consultant team to undertake the surveys and technical investigations required to deliver the feasibility studies.
Responding to the announcement, Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “I welcome this funding announcement by Minister Kimmins, which will help develop our local Greenways.
“Greenways are strategic routes designed to provide safe, off-road walking and cycling opportunities. They form a key part of future active travel networks, linking towns and villages, places of work and retail areas, as well as community and leisure facilities.
“Greenways also offer excellent tourism opportunities for visitors who wish to explore our district while enjoying its outstanding landscapes and diverse environments.”
Cllr Philip Campbell added he given a thmbs up to the announcement of a £600,000 road improvement scheme for the A25 Downpatrick Road & Castleward Road, describing it as “a boost for the local community*
The Downpatrick DEA Councillor speaking after the Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins’ announcement., said: “I welcome this funding as a practical investment that will improve safety, support local businesses, and make everyday journeys better for people living in and travelling through the area.”
Cllr. Campbell said the scheme demonstrates Sinn Féin’s commitment to backing communities with investment and action in infrastructure.
“This is about delivering for rural and coastal areas,and making sure they are not left behind. Sinn Féin is prioritising infrastructure that matters to people’s daily lives.”
“The long-term benefits will be clear. When this work is finished, people will see and feel the difference.”
Cllr. Campbell added that he will continue to press for further investment across the district and said: “Sinn Féin will keep working to ensure our communities get the investment they deserve.”
RELATED DOWN NEWS ARTICLES:
 to carry out){kind=link}