Member's statement: Newry Canal: Fixed Bridge

Member's statement by Mr Justin McNulty on 25 February 2025.

MLA

Mr Justin McNulty

Party at the time

Social Democratic and Labour Party

Date

25 February 2025

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

Newry Canal: Fixed Bridge

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4814972

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I rise to speak on the Department for Infrastructure's proposal to construct a fixed bridge across Newry canal.

People in Newry are making it clear to me, to their local councillors and directly to the Department for Infrastructure through the ongoing public consultation that they cannot countenance the prospect of a fixed bridge that permanently severs and seals Newry canal from Carlingford lough and the Irish Sea. I am strongly of the opinion that proceeding with a fixed bridge across Newry canal would be a spectacular own goal. Such a decision would not only undermine Newry's proud maritime history but significantly complicate the efforts that are currently under way to regenerate Newry canal.

All involved in the campaign to protect and secure Newry's maritime heritage were buoyed by the news that a local MLA had taken up the post of Minister for Infrastructure. I am glad that the Minister is in the Chamber to hear this statement. Liz, I wish you well in your new post. Reassuringly, just a few short years ago, the now Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA, made her position on the issue clear when she said:

"It is of the utmost importance that the lifting bridge design is prioritised. Our waterways need to be open, especially when we see the progress and potential of Newry city park and the Albert Basin. This will be a major boost for the tourism economy in the Newry and Mourne region."

Those are wonderful words, and it is reassuring that the Minister said that. I fully agree with her that strategically harnessing the potential of waterways as a tourism asset and as economic drivers has had a powerfully positive impact for businesses and communities in Ireland, Britain and in mainland Europe. The revitalisation of the Shannon waterways led to the creation of construction and environmental management jobs during the restoration. It created permanent jobs in boating, hospitality and tourism and has led to significant small business growth and local economic enhancement, adding an estimated €14 million annually to the Irish economy. The regeneration of the Grand Union canal in Britain is estimated to have brought approximately £3·5 billion of associated investment with it. The revitalisation of the Canal du Midi in France has generated an estimated €7·5 million in annual tourism revenue that has dramatically increased international recognition and tourism footfall, primarily through cycling tours and canal cruises. The Rhine-Herne canal, which is a major inland waterway in Germany, has seen revitalisation in Duisburg, a post-industrial city that was once heavily reliant on secondary industry, quite like Newry. Regeneration efforts have included the conversion of old industrial sites into cultural spaces, parks and recreational areas along the canal. The project has contributed significantly to the local economy, attracting around one million visitors annually. A major concern about the discussion around the fixed bridge over Newry canal is that the decision appears to be a fait accompli. Despite having committed a grand total of zero pounds to the project, the Department for Infrastructure is citing financial pressures as a means to justify a fixed bridge.

514 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:01 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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