Investigatory work for the proposed southern relief road linking the A2 Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the A1 Newry bypass has unearthed some significant historical findings. Speaking at an Adjournment Debate at the Assembly yesterday Minister for Regional Development Danny Kennedy said that artillery fortifications dating back hundreds of years had been found in the area of the proposed road development. In his speech Minister Kennedy said: “Environmental issues associated with tree ring features on the slopes of Fathom Mountain likely to be affected by the proposal are currently the subject of more detailed investigation which includes consultation with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). I am advised that NIEA believe these features to be potentially significant early 17th century sconces rather than more recent tree ring landscape features. The sconces, rudimentary artillery fortifications comprising small circular earthen banks date to November 1600 and the latter stage in the Nine Year War of 1594 to 1603 involving hostilities between High King of Ireland Hugh O’Neill and the forces of Baron Mountjoy.” According to the Minister should the NIEA’s initial opinions be proven this would represent a significant historical find, “Should the NIEA assessment prove correct this would represent a category of site which has not been previously identified in Northern Ireland,” he said. “Accordingly my Department is continuing to work with the NIEA with a view to determine conclusively the precise origins of these features. A solution is likely to come at some cost whether the site is excavated and recorded by archaeologists or the line of the proposed road is moved.” Despite such challenges, the Minister has confirmed that he remains ken on progressing the project. “Members will know that I am a strong supporter of this project and I have asked officials to move the scheme forward and proceed with the various environmental and technical investigations,” he said. “A more detailed technical investigation of the specific options for crossing the Newry Canal was also recommended given the sensitive nature of this important heritage feature. It is expected to require at least the provision of a bascule (or lifting) bridge to allow the passage of tall ships on the canal. The width of Victoria Lock already limits the size of ship that can enter the canal and it is expected that any bridge would maintain a navigation channel that matches the width of the sea lock. Future progress remains dependent on a number of factors including the development process and the proposal clearing the statutory procedures which will include formal public consultation. It must continue to have a satisfactory economic appraisal and given other competing priorities progress to construction will be dependent upon the funding made available in future budget settlements.” Last year the Reporter revealed that between 2006 and 2012 nearly £1m had been spent taking the relief project forward. Previous estimates indicated that the project would cost between £100m and £211m to deliver,
Newry Reporter
2nd October 2013
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