The recently published South East Coast Masterplan is essentially a regeneration plan for the area. That’s the message from SDLP MLA Sean Rogers who has warmly welcomed the scheme commissioned by the Department of Social Development and both Newry and Mourne and Down District Councils. “It gives guidance on the future strategic development of the area over the next 20 years,” the Down representative said. “It is hoped that this plan will direct public and private investment to those areas that will most benefit local people, support local business and commerce and contribute to the long term viability of town centres.” But he warned that for the proposals to be deliverable the roads infrastructure must be improved. “Last winter Spelga was blocked with snow and the Rostrevor Road was also blocked due to a landslide leaving only one route into and out of the Mournes,” he said. “Surely the infrastructure needs to be upgraded in advance of such proposals. I fully support the ethos of this plan and am encouraged to see it put on paper but hope that the roads issue can be given some serious consideration sooner rather than later. I have made representations to the Minister calling for such investment in light of the slippage funding inn respect of the A5 delays.
Newry Democrat
23rd July 2013
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