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.”