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4 September 2006

HANSON LAUNCHES GREATER NEWRY VISION

Social Development Minister David Hanson has welcomed a new strategy for the future economic development of the Greater Newry area.

The strategy document, entitled 'A Strategic Vision for the Greater Newry Area', sets out a vision for the region from Dundalk to Banbridge, to become a vibrant regional hub.

The document has been drawn up by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade and others representing the statutory, private, community and voluntary sectors.

Minister Hanson said: "I very much welcome this strategy and can assure people within the Greater Newry area that we will play our part in helping to implement those proposals for which we have a responsibility."

The Minister went on to refer to the difficulties that the Newry area has had to face over the past 30 years and in recent weeks. He highlighted the many developments that had taken place through good co-operation between the Department for Social Development (DSD) and a number of bodies, such as Newry & Mourne District Council and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI). These developments include the Soho Island Bus Station, the Medical Village and important community-led schemes, such as Whitegates and Clanrye.

He also confirmed the fact that the provision of the Canal Court Hotel had been a major boost for Newry and that this development had been made possible through the co-operation and enterprise of the private sector, supported by DSD, the Tourist Board and IFI.

Speaking about the future role of Government in the area, Mr Hanson said: "I know there are a number of key issues which will impact significantly on the future of the Newry area. These include the possible provision of a southern relief road to help relieve traffic congestion in the city and the development of the Albert Basin site.

"I am glad to say that the Department for Regional Development Roads Service is commissioning a study to look at all the possible options for reducing congestion in the City Centre.

"On the question of the Albert Basin site, the Department for Social Development, through the Regional Development Office, will continue to work with the council to help maximise the benefits of this development opportunity to the city.

"I am also pleased to announce today that DSD will provide Neighbourhood Renewal funding of approximately half a million pounds, to improve play park provision and community centre facilities in Newry.

"By supporting the redevelopment of these, we hope to provide Newry with modern, safe and secure play parks as well as quality community space."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Regional Development Office of the Department for Social Development is responsible for Urban Regeneration in Newry City. The Southern Area Office is located within Greater Newry Area, in Banbridge.

2. £291,409 of Neighbourhood Renewal funding is being provided to improve play parks in the Greater Linenhall and Martins Lane area.

3. Whitegates Community Centre in the Meadow Estate will receive Neighbourhood Renewal Phase II funding of £186,600. This money will facilitate the 138m2 extension to the centre, providing a Youth Room / IT suite and an office for the Community Association.

4. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy 'People and place' was published in June 2003 to close the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives:

  • Community Renewal - to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in their areas.
  • Economic Renewal - to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
  • Social Renewal - to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
  • Physical Renewal - to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

5. For further information, contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496.

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