“Our failure to regenerate and invest in Newry Canal is denying us the opportunity to make the most of one of our most obvious natural resources.”
That’s the view of Newry councillor Killian Feehan who has urged council to realise the huge potential that exists around Newry Canal which runs through the heart of the city.
The SDLP representative is bringing a motion to council on Monday.
He is proposing council write to councils across the UK and Ireland who have experience developing waterways and to UK, Irish and European funding bodies to identify opportunities for support.
Councillor Feehan said: “We have seen towns and cities across Ireland and Britain make the most of their waterways, establishing areas of natural beauty and facilities around water-based activities that can be enjoyed by tourists and local residents alike.
“There is no reason that Newry cannot learn from what has been achieved in other places and that’s why I’m proposing that we write to the likes of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Birmingham City Council and Waterways Ireland so that we can share best practice and look at developing similar initiatives here.
“We must also explore the funding opportunities to support this development by engaging with the Shared Ireland Unit and EU and UK funding streams.
“Key to this development will be ensuring that no bridge is built across Newry Canal. The SDLP has been steadfast in our opposition to this proposal and it would severely limit our potential to develop maritime tourism.
“There is an opportunity here to put forward an exciting vision for the future of our Newry Canal and I would urge every councillor to roll in behind our proposals so that we can deliver on the huge promise that exists to create jobs, attract tourism, enhance biodiversity and improve quality of life for local residents.”
