A major construction project aimed at rejuvenating Hill Street and Monaghan Street in Newry could begin within a fortnight. Two meetings were held by SIAC Construction last week one with traders and one with members of the public to discuss the impact the work would have in the city. SIAC representatives outlined the company’s plans for the project and took questions from those in attendance. Duncan McAllister SIAC project manager said that while they had yet to receive final confirmation on the project they expected it to go ahead in the next fortnight. The entire project is expected to take 20 weeks to complete with work on Hill Street and Monaghan Street beginning simultaneously. The Monaghan Street project will be completed in nine weeks. The work will be carried out in segments on one side of the road before moving on to the other leaving half of the road free for pedestrians, disabled drivers and commercial vehicles. Other road users will be diverted away from the construction sites. SIAC who were responsible for rejuvenating work on O’Connell Street in Dublin and Eyre Square in Galway said disruption would be kept to an absolute minimum. Noel Mathers of Edmund Shipway Construction Consultants, the company hired to oversee the project by Newry and Mourne District Council said the work would turn Hill Street and Monaghan Street into “a striking and modern city high street. One of the most visible aspects of the project when it’s completed will be the new iGuzzini lighting system,” he said. “These will really brighten the area and their attractive modern shape will make them pleasant to look at on and off. Newry will be one of the first places in Ireland to have these lights in a public place so the city will be ahead of the curve in that regard. There wioll also be new footpaths granite street furniture and trees as well as additional cycling facilities. One of the biggest changes will be to Margaret Square and Marcus Square. These will become real event spaces. They will be lit up exceptionally well a night and the footpath and road will be lowered to the same level to make accommodating concerts and events easier.” Diane Kelly SIAC Site Engineer said both members of the public and local traders had responded well to the proposals. “There were obvious concerns particularly by traders about access to businesses during construction period but we were able to allay most fears,” she said. “Nowhere will be blocked off from the public at any point and most people believe that the benefits when the project is completed will far outweigh any temporary inconveniences while construction is ongoing.”
Newry Democrat
31st January 2012
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