Feehan calls for £30m investment for canal project after Mourne Gateway collapse
Newry SDLP Councillor Killian Feehan has called for the reallocation of £30 million in City Deal funding for the redevelopment of Newry Canal, following confirmation that the Mourne Mountains Gateway Project will no longer proceed.
He said the funding, originally allocated for the tourism project under the Belfast Region City Deal, now offers an opportunity to redirect capital investment to a deliverable and regionally significant initiative within Newry, Mourne and Down District.
Cllr Feehan said: “With the Mourne Gateway project no longer progressing, it is essential this investment remains within the district.
“My proposal focuses on the regeneration of Newry’s historic canal and the Albert Basin as a sustainable tourism and community destination. Through my engagement with the community, I have been struck by the quality of input and innovative ideas that people have offered in relation to the development of the canal. I have ensured that many of those suggestions featured in my proposal to the council.
“This proposal supports inclusive growth, low-carbon travel, active lifestyles and heritage-led regeneration; all central to the goals of the Belfast Region City Deal. It also aligns with Shared Island Unit priorities by strengthening cross-border tourism connectivity.”
Cllr Feehan said the opportunity now exists “to deliver a high-impact, well-aligned project that has local support and regional significance” and called on partners to back the proposal and “act swiftly to retain momentum and ensure the district benefits from funding that was previously committed”.