Landmark Day as Carlingford Lough Greenway is Completed

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford Lough Greenway, a transformative cross-border active travel route connecting Newry in County Down to Carlingford in County Louth.

 

The Carlingford Lough Greenway is a project supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

 

This newly completed 11.4km section, which was officially celebrated on Friday, 12 September, forms part of a wider 20km greenway stretching from Newry City to Carlingford, offering a world-class facility for commuters, recreational users, and tourists alike.

 

The celebration event was attended by key project partners and stakeholders, including Councillor Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development; Liz Kimmins MLA, Minister for Infrastructure; Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB); Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell; Marie Ward, Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; and Councillor PJ O’Hanlon, Vice Chairman of East Border Region.

 

The route links with the existing Newry–Portadown Cycleway and Towpath, creating a continuous 52km off-road corridor along the east coast of Ireland. This enables walkers and cyclists to travel off-road between Belfast and Dublin via Sustrans Route 9, also known as the Great Eastern Greenway.

 

The Carlingford Lough Greenway provides a scenic, safe, and sustainable travel option, enhancing connectivity between communities on both sides of the border. Once the Narrow Water Bridge is completed, it will further strengthen cross-border links, offering direct access from County Louth into the wider County Down area.

 

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, secured funding of €5.14m from the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), to deliver the Carlingford Lough Cross Border Greenway. Match-funding for the project under the INTERREG VA Programme has been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport in Ireland.

 

Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, said: “The opening of the Carlingford Lough Greenway represents an exciting development for this region. This cross-border greenway project has received significant financial support through the INTERREG VA programme, with the Department of Transport providing approximately €3 million to date to support this project. 

 

“This project is an exemplar initiative of cross-border collaboration with Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council working together to realise 11.4km of new greenway. It has resulted in a joined-up piece of walking and cycling infrastructure with a continuous greenway route now connecting Newry and Carlingford. This route will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking, rather than private car use, among leisure users, visitors, and locals. 

 

“In addition, this project will help to ensure a safe journey for individuals using sustainable mobility modes travelling between the two jurisdictions. This investment by the Department of Transport to date signals the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland.”

 

Liz Kimmins MLA, Minister for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland said: “I am delighted to be in Omeath to celebrate the official opening of the Carlingford Lough Greenway. This region already has so much to offer, and the completion of this fantastic active travel route will provide further benefits for local people and visitors to the area.

 

“My department is committed to encouraging more walking, wheeling, and cycling across all groups within our society, and I’m pleased that my department has been able to support this project through our partnership working with both councils, north and south. I want to congratulate all those involved in bringing this wonderful project to fruition.”

 

Gina McIntyre, CEO of the SEUPB, said: “The official opening of the Carlingford Lough Greenway marks a transformative step towards a more connected, sustainable future for the region. This project not only strengthens cross-border cooperation but also promotes cleaner and greener travel, healthier lifestyles and enhances environmental stewardship.”

 

“This project exemplifies the commitment by the funding partners to building a shared, sustainable future for all communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties.”

 

Councillor Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “It’s a real pleasure to see the Carlingford Lough Greenway completed and open for everyone to enjoy. This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities and councils work together across borders. Whether you're commuting, out for a walk, or cycling with family, this greenway offers a safe, scenic, and sustainable way to travel. Louth County Council is proud to have played a part in delivering such a valuable amenity that will benefit locals and visitors for years to come.”

 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the staff in each partner organisation for their commitment over many years in delivering this cross-border project and in securing a significant amount of EU and Central Government funding for its implementation. The greenway provides visitors with a unique perspective of the district’s stunning landscapes. By leveraging the strengths of our natural assets, we are continuing are efforts to position the district as a landmark tourism destination and create a vibrant, thriving tourism economy that benefits both residents and visitors alike. I am delighted that everyone can now enjoy at first hand the beauty of Carlingford Lough and I look forward to future partnership working on proposed connecting linkages via Narrow Water Bridge and Newry City”.

 

Councillor PJ O’Hanlon, Vice Chairman of East Border Region, said: “East Border Region is delighted to have been a partner on this magnificent project, which offers a unique blend of natural beauty, sustainable travel, and community wellbeing. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views across the lough, making it a valuable asset for tourism, recreation and regional development.”

 

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “The Carlingford Lough Greenway is a testament to the power of collaboration and vision. It brings real benefits to our communities, encouraging healthier lifestyles, supporting local tourism, and providing a vital link between County Louth and County Down. We’re delighted to see this project come to life and look forward to seeing it used and enjoyed by people of all ages.”

 

For more information, visit www.carlingfordloughgreenway.ie