The report was presented this evening at a meeting of Newry and Mourne District Council.
Speaking about the publication, Minister Murphy said: “I welcome the positive findings of the report on the feasibility of the scheme and the transport benefits that a new road link, between the A2 Warrenpoint Road dual carriageway and the A1 Belfast / Dublin Key Transport Corridor, would bring to this area.
“This scheme would provide a new strategic transport link to support the economic growth of the city, improve transport links to Warrenpoint Harbour, increase road safety and contribute to a reduction in congestion within the centre of Newry.
“The report takes account of traffic demands on the main road network, in the southern part of Newry city centre, together with the constraints presented by existing development, the challenging topography and sensitive environment of the area.
“On the basis of this Feasibility Report, I have asked Roads Service to proceed with further environmental and engineering assessments and to engage in a wider consultation process, considered necessary to identify a preferred corridor for the Newry Southern Relief Road.”
The Feasibility Study, prepared for DRD Roads Service by consultants Scott Wilson, provides a comprehensive assessment in which options for providing a strategic road link, between the A2 Warrenpoint Road dual carriageway and the A1 Belfast/Dublin Key Transport Corridor, are developed and costed.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Feasibility Study indicates several environmental and technical issues which require further attention for the scheme to proceed. Consultation with the NI Environment Agency - Natural Heritage has identified the need to undertake an Article 6 Assessment, under the terms of the European Union’s Habitats Directive, to test the likely significance of the proposed scheme on the two Natural 2000 sites within the wider study area, namely the Carlingford Shore Special Area of Conservation in the South and the Carlingford Lough Special Protection Area in the North.
2. The environmental issues associated with tree ring features on the slopes of Fathom Mountain and with crossing the Newry Canal also require more detailed investigation. A more detailed technical investigation of the specific options for crossing the Newry Canal is also recommended, given the sensitive nature of this important heritage feature.
3. Media queries to: Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 90 540004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
