Newry business community call for bypass cash from Westminster

By Iveren McCallion

A business consortium is calling for Westminster to prioritise Newry's Southern Relief Road in its Northern Ireland budget, in the absence of a Local Assembly and Executive here.

The group, which includes Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, Seatruck, Regen Waste and Cronus Logistics, says the bypass will be "vital to local economy" after Britain leaves the European Union.

The route will connect the main Belfast-Dublin corridor with Warrenpoint Harbour keeping hauliers out of the city's centre.

Chief Executive of Warrenpoint Harbour Peter Conway, told Q Radio that developing infrastructure is part of the UK's Brexit plan and this major road should a priority:

Newry Chamber's Chief Executive, Mary Meehan added, "We welcome progress on this scheme to date and the recent securing of £1.2 million in European funding by the Department for Infrastructure through the 'Connecting Europe Facility' for the design stages of this important project.

"This funding support underscores the strategic importance of this project and will now allow the Stage 2 Assessment to be completed, including consideration of the input from this important public consultation phase."

She continued, "The business case is clear that the Newry Southern Relief Road will support and maintain sustainable economic growth and employment within the area and at the same time ease traffic congestion and safety concerns in Newry itself.