Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Newry is back on the map

Published: 27 February, 2009

Newry Identity Campaign (NIC) chairperson Mickey Brady has welcomed today's revised report from the local government boundary commissioner which has redressed many of the issues raised by the NIC from the commission's first proposal as vast swathes of urban Newry have been returned to the central core.

Mr. Brady said,

"I very much welcome this latest revised report from the boundary commission. Many of the discrepancies which were highlighted by NIC over the course of the review period have been remedied and the majority of Newry has been kept intact."

"Under these news recommendations, the people of Newry will be represented by councillors from our area. Our common urban identity will be maintained."

"A lot of work was put into this campaign by community groups, sporting organisations, local businesses and Newry residents, who came together to prevent the break-up of our town. Only 2 new wards have been created across Six Counties bringing the total to 462. One of these new wards is in Newry and will be called Druamalane."

"Throughout the campaign many politicians tried to discredit the campaign by saying that it was too late to prevent the break-up of Newry. Fortunately the people of Newry ignored these misleading and disingenuous remarks and continued to work to bring about this success. This again proves that hard work and dedication will always outdo tokenism and rhetoric. This secondary success, on the back of the 'This is Ballybot' campaign, belongs to all those who support Newry."

Mr Brady concluded by stating that this was not the end of the NICs work and they will continue to campaign for the betterment of all the people of Newry. We will keep working during the next period of consultation and towards the next commission which is due to start in June which will continue the LGBC's work.

Anyone seeking more information or wish to contact NIC can email newryidentitycampaign@gmail.com or contact Mickey Brady's office.