Ritchie announces funding for Newry Weir study

The regeneration of Newry city centre took another step forward today with the award of a £50,000 grant for a feasibility study on the proposed river weir.

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA announced the award during a visit to the city.

On a visit to view the site of the proposed weir, the Minister said: “I have seen at first hand the tremendous impact that the Lagan Weir has had on Belfast and I believe that a river weir has the potential to transform Newry City centre in the same way. This grant will allow Newry & Mourne District Council to update the earlier feasibility study on proposals for construction of a weir on the Clanrye River and I look forward to seeing the feasibility study in due course.”

The DSD funding will allow Newry and Mourne District Council to commission specialist consultants who will update a feasibility study carried out for the Council in 2001. That study recommended the construction of a weir on the river close to the Albert Basin. The announcement of the funding comes at an exciting time for this part of Newry as the Council has just published a development brief for the Albert Basin site.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 90829497.