Political agreement in Newry's People's Forum

Much agreement at People’s Forum

FOLLOWING on from last week’s People’s Forum’s in Newry City, the group is still awaiting a response from Sinn Fein (at time of going to press), who said they will reply in due course.

As reported, the responses show broad agreement on the People’s Forum’s main priorities: better infrastructure, a revitalised city centre, canal regeneration, stronger public accountability, and protection of Daisy Hill Hospital.

The Democrat looked into those comments from councillors and MLA’s and wastewater capacity, planning delays, parking and public transport are recurring concerns. SDLP’s MLA Justin McNulty highlights wastewater funding proposals and rail capacity; DUP’s MLA Gareth Wilson commits to departmental engagement, while UUP NMDD Councillor David Taylor calls for planning-process improvements and infrastructure investment.

Several respondents support ambitious canal regeneration. The SDLP council team, including Doire Finn and Killian Feehan, explicitly opposes a fixed bridge that would restrict navigation. Justin McNulty also supports an opening bridge.

City-centre regeneration replies to the group call for action on vacant buildings, dereliction, street appearance, and support for local businesses. The SDLP council team identifies the Revive and Reimagine grant scheme as an immediate focus.

Transparency is a strong theme. Alliance, David Taylor, and Henry Reilly raise concerns about the Civic Centre, including cost, disruption, or parking loss. The SDLP council team welcomes public tracking of its commitments but are not against the Civic Centre being built.

Daisy Hill Hospital featured high on the agenda with all offering to supporting, protecting, and strengthening services, particularly maternity provision.

Many of those that replied support delivery of Newry City Park and a stronger events programme. Doire Finn is pursuing a dedicated Newry festival; Alliance’s Helena Young advocates a Maritime Festival; David Taylor proposes engagement with young people about facilities.

MLA Justin McNulty said he would write to the council Chief Executive about amenities and civic pride; revisit canal funding; raise questions on rail capacity, city bikes, crossings, pedestrianisation and dereliction.

MLA Gareth Wilson said he will continue Assembly questions and ministerial engagement on infrastructure, vacancies, investment, and Daisy Hill, with public updates where possible.

SDLP council team told the Forum that they will advance canal regeneration, oversee the grant scheme’s rollout, press for park delivery and a Newry festival, and return to the Forum to account for progress.

Alliance council group will continue scrutiny of regeneration projects, seek clearer public reporting, and press relevant bodies for answers.

The Peoples Forum set up six working groups to drive action on the report's priorities which are: Business, Canal and Waterfront, Festivals and Events, City Centre Regeneration, Children and Young People, Accountability and Transparency.

Each group will meet elected representatives in the coming weeks to press for action on its priorities and will report to the Forum's committee and the Forum will now ask every party to turn its support into specific actions with clear timescales, and will track and publish progress against each commitment.