Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) has reassured canal enthusiasts that the development of a marina in the seaside town will facilitate vessels on their way to Newry. Last week the Newry / Portadown branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) said they would back WHA’s multi million pound Interreg funding application for the 200 berth marina – providing a waiting berth for vessels hoping to travel onwards to Newry canal was included in the facility. Just days later WHA chief executive Peter Conway contacted IWAI to allay fears – thus garnering the full support of the well regarded group in the week leading up to February 17 application deadline. In a subsequent statement issued to the Reporter the IWAI said it had received correspondence from Mr Conway stating: “The present facilities including public layover berths provided at the council pontoon in Warrenpoint will be incorporated into the plans and will be maintained as part of the public service in the promotion of vessels awaiting favourable tidal conditions for entering the Newry river and the Victoria Lock for access to the Newry Ship Canal.” Mr Conway added Warrenpoint Harbour has: “Promoted the excursion to Newry with visitors providing them with navigational directions and instructions on how to enter the Victoria Lock. We are also responsible through the Carlingford Lough Commissioners for the maintenance and up keep of the lights and channel markers from Warrenpoint Harbour to the Victoria Lock. S o we are very keen to maintain this attractive tourist waterway.” In the statement IWAI secretary Geraldine Foley said: “In the light of this the IWAI is happy to give their full support to a project that has been on the drawing board for many years and might at last become a reality.
Newry Reporter
22nd February 2012
“