Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has confirmed his commitment to the Newry Southern Relief Road scheme, with the draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Statutory Orders set to be published this month.
The Minister has announced a staffed Orders Exhibition Day at Newry Leisure Centre on Tuesday 21 January 2025, to be followed by a six-week formal consultation period.
Relief Road Plans
The Newry Southern Relief Road scheme aims to relieve traffic congestion within Newry City centre, reduce journey travel times, and improve road safety.
According to the Minister, the scheme will also provide opportunities for enhancing and reshaping Newry City centre to promote sustainable travel choices.
The scheme is estimated to cost between £110m and £130m, dependent on the successful completion of statutory processes and future budget availability.
The road’s design will focus on reducing traffic congestion by providing an alternative route, thus decreasing the number of vehicles traveling through the city centre.
This, in turn, will lead to improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and enhanced overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
Progress and Timeline
The timescales for progressing to procurement and construction will depend on several factors, including the need for a public inquiry.
The Newry Southern Relief Road is being developed as part of the Belfast Region City Deal, which has allocated £93.4m to the project.
The road will provide a strategic link between the A1/N1 Belfast to Dublin corridor and the A2 Warrenpoint Road, bypassing Newry City Centre.
Minister O’Dowd noted that the scheme’s progress will be influenced by various factors, and it is essential to consider these factors to ensure the project’s successful completion.
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The Belfast Region City Deal is a significant investment in the region’s infrastructure, and the Newry Southern Relief Road is a key component of this initiative.
The project’s development is a collaborative effort, involving multiple stakeholders and requiring careful planning to ensure that the scheme meets the needs of the local community.
Community Engagement
The staffed Orders Exhibition Day will provide an opportunity for the local community to engage with Departmental staff and engineering consultants, and to learn more about the scheme’s progress and next steps.
The exhibition day will be held at Newry Leisure Centre, allowing residents to access information and ask questions about the project.
With the publication of the draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Statutory Orders, the community will have a chance to review the details of the scheme and provide feedback during the formal consultation period.
The environmental impact assessment will play a significant role in determining the scheme’s feasibility and potential effects on the local environment.
As the project moves forward, the community will continue to be engaged through various channels, ensuring that their concerns and suggestions are taken into account by Minister O’Dowd and his team.
They will provide updates on the project’s progress, including any changes to the timeline or scope of the scheme.
The draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report is a key document, outlining the potential environmental impacts of the scheme and measures to mitigate them.
Minister O’Dowd and his team are committed to the project, and their engagement with the local community is key to its success.
The community’s input will be invaluable in shaping the final design and implementation of the Newry Southern Relief Road scheme.
