Newry Active Travel initiatives in progress

Traffic signals allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road on Derrybeg Lane, the access road to Newry Railway Station are due to be in place by the end of February.

It is part of an active travel link that runs from Morne Country Roundabout to Fiveways Roundabout and from Fiveways to Derrybeg Lane, and will make it easier to get through what can be an extremely busy road.

In response to a query from Newry.ie, a spokesperson for Newry, Morne and Down District Council explained that the scheme currently in place is part of a planned active travel loop across the city “DfI entertained works on a link from Belfast Road to Camlough Road into Newry City Center and back to Belfast Road, forming a Loop.

There has not been much work in the Newry area since the Active Travel Masterplan for the area was published in October 2020, but it seems that some projects at least are still being considered and hopefully will be progressed.

One scheme that would undoubtedly have the most impact would be a cycle/walking path linking the Newry Canal Towpath to the Carlingford Lough Greenway. A feasibility study considering route options for this was completed in December 2022, although the route options go from the plan to adding a few signs to guide cyclists and walkers along pre-existing routes to the option of a new route running through the town between Newry. Canal and the River Clanrye. While the first option would be the cheapest, it would be the least desirable, with the option of a new road running behind the Town Hall, past Newry Bus Station and through the Car Park in front of Buttercrane being the most beneficial for Newry. .

Additional EU funding through SEUPB and DfI Greenways Funding has been obtained by the Council to complete the northern section of the Newry to Carlingford Greenway. The work is partially completed and the final sections are expected to be completed later in 2024.

The Council spokesperson added: “Discussion and planning for the development of Active Travel infrastructure is ongoing. Newry, Morne and Down District Council is working closely with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Local Active Travel Unit and also its Central Active Travel Team. The Council’s Active Travel Masterplan formed the basis for these developments.”

“A range of other routes and options are being considered as part of ongoing engagement with DfI, these will be determined based on available budgets and what is possible on the ground.”