SDLP welcomes Outdoor Recreation NI update on community trails for Tipperary Woods
South Down MLA Colin McGrath MLA and Mourne’s Councillor Laura Devlin have welcomed an update from Outdoor Recreation NI (ORNI) on plans to see a community trail installed in Tipperary Woods in Newcastle.
Colin McGrath said: “For the last three years, Laura and I have been calling for the installation of a community trail through Tipperary Woods.
“This would establish a connection between the Bryansford Road with Kinghill Avenue and provide an important access for many residents.
“Over these years we have had engagement with residents, Council officers and outside organisations such as ORNI.
“It has taken a long time to reach this stage, but I am delighted to see yet another step towards delivering this trail today.
Mr McGrath added: “It has taken a long time to get here, but hopefully we are reaching a stage where this project can be advanced quickly.
“I understand the funding for it is available which is terrific news.
“I look forward to hopefully seeing what will be a fantastic boardwalk through the woods made available soon to the people of Newcastle.”
Councillor Laura Devlin added: “One of the major steps we have had to clear is that of the feasibility assessment.
“As a result of flooding along the Shimna River, we are aware that to install a community trail through a floodplain would be reckless and not have something we could or would agree with.
“To that end, a possible solution has been found that would potentially allow the installation of a boardwalk design through the woods and provide that important connection between Kinghill and Bryansford Road.
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