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Appointment imminent

A chosen contractor will be appointed for the £2.4m Newry City Linkages Scheme next month. The scheme which will upgrade walkways along the city stretch of the canal – and as such improve linkages between Hill Street, Monaghan Street and the city’s two shopping centres. The report of the Council’s May 1 Economic Development committee meeting states that, “If the successful tender is within budget at tender close and assessment, then the tender for a contractor in regards the Newry City Linkages Scheme is to proceed to standstill and award via purchasing and District Development in June 2013, with Economic Development  being informed in August 2013 on the outcome of the process. The Council at May13 Scrutiny Committee meeting also agreed to sign off its financial contribution to the scheme  – as well as an element of a planned scheme for Warrenpoint’s Church Street area. According to the report the council will, “contribute £450,000 to the Newry City Linkages Scheme and £50,000 to the Warrenpoint Public Realm Scheme from its previously agreed 2013/14 budgets.” The Newry Scheme has caused some controversy in recent weeks, first with confirmation that 120 parking spaces will be lost along the canal bank and last week with criticism that a number of cherry blossom trees will be removed as part of the scheme.

 

Newry Reporter

22nd May 2013