Leisure provision and efforts to ease traffic congestion have emerged as key talking points during consultation on a new village plan for Newtownhamilton.
A month-long consultation with the residents and traders in the area, involving public meetings, have placed these and other many pressing issues on the agenda for investment, including public services and local infrastructure.
The exercise has also been used to lobby for funding to be made for a new all-purpose pitch and play park for the area.
Local Councillor Barra Ó Muiri commended the engagement of local stakeholders, and made clear his priorities while the results of the consultation are considered by Newry, Mourne & Down Council.
He said: “In my own engagement with residents and local businesses, a consensus has emerged about the need for the council’s village plan to address long-standing issues of traffic congestion and scarcity of suitable parking.
“A streetscaping project must be secured for Newry Street, and altered to be made more accommodating for two-way traffic.
“I’ve pressed for enhanced residential parking only on Dundalk Street to ease congestion which has been a growing problem for traffic in the town.
“I have also taken the opportunity to lobby for funding for an all-purpose pitch and a new play park adjacent to the local GAA grounds, which would create a leisure hub and significantly enhance facilities for young people throughout the community.”
The Sinn Fein representative added: “I urge the council to seriously consider the needs of the community in Newtownhamilton, and invest in the projects consistently raised by myself and local residents in the recent consultation.”
