Cash Injection For Newry

The Minister for the Department for Regional Development Mr Danny Kennedy has welcomed the allocation of 4.5m Pounds to the local area for the improvement, maintenance and development of local roads.

Whilst there have been budget constraints in the past, which were particularly prominent during the harsh winters we have experienced recently, it is expected that the Newry Southern Relief Road will be completed later this year. It is hoped that this road will increase the level of visitors, shoppers and tourists to the area and improve local access and infrastructure.

It has also been announced that major resurfacing works are to be carried out on the Armagh Road, Camlough Road and Bridge Street and that a programme of local safety and transport links is underway, which will see works being carried out in Ballymartin, Crossmaglen and Burren in the near future.

Meanwhile it has been reported that Newry has secured 400,000 Pounds which is to be used to improve the physical and mental health of the people of Newry & Mourne. The total has been generated by a grant of 296,245 Pounds from the Department for Social Development together with 100,000 Pounds from the Southern Health Trust. The four year health and wellbeing improvement plans will offer a range of structured health promotional projects aimed at targeting the physical and mental issues of local people in the Newry & Mourne area. It is hoped that the scheme will improve the quality of life for these local people.

It has also been reported that research and planning have been carried out in relation to the future of Camlough Lake. It is hoped that the lake will undergo much needed development and investment in the future. A proposed master plan has been published which aims to establish a framework for future management and development of the lake.

Whilst the aim of the plan is to find a way forward, they have also taken into consideration the wishes, hopes and visions of interested parties such as local landowners, residents, visitors, local clubs, associations and activity users. Consideration has also been given to organisations such as the DOE, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Northern Ireland Water, Loughs Agency, Tourist Board, Countryside Access and Activities Network and of course Newry & Mourne District Council.

The extensive report details the current management issues, potential recreational activities, consultations which have been carried out with local agencies as well as local residents, opportunities and recommendations for future management and development, cost implications for each of the possible solutions together with possible funding options.

The report highlights the frustration at the lack of progress in the development and improvement of Camlough Lake however sets out possible solutions to improve and maintain the important and treasured local landmark. It is proposed that these draft proposals will act as a catalyst for change in the future.