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

PARKHEAD RESIDENTS SEEK MEETING WITH DRD AND DSD MINISTERS

Published: 23 April, 2009

PARKHEAD RESIDENTS SEEK MEETING WITH DRD AND DSD MINISTERS

Fews area Sinn Féin Councillor Pat Mc Ginn speaking after chairing a meeting involving Residents and Community Activists from Parkhead Estate Newry, Councillors, Road Service, Contractors Representatives and Officers from Newry and Mourne Council and the Confederation of Community Groups which discussed potential negative impacts in that specific locality as a result of the development of the new A1 Beechill to Cloghogue Bypass, said that the impact on the quality of life on local residents as a result of the major new road project could not be underestimated. "We had a straight talking and I believe positive meeting. Community representatives and local residents have stated clearly the concerns. These issues whilst they may have been highlighted in the Environmental Impact Study published some years ago, have now become more apparent as the new road develops. We have sixty five homes, sixty five families directly impacted by the road development. Roads Service have acknowledged the concerns but what is now needed is a strategy to alleviate as best possible the concerns of the community" said the Councillor who stated that as a result of the meeting roads service, the Housing Executive and local residents undertook to meet to discuss immediate issues such as landscaping and the erection of appropriate fencing along that stretch of the new road. "We have also agreed to seek a meeting with both Conor Murphy DRD Minister and Margaret Ritchie DSD Minister to discuss the situation and to work together to agree a way forward. Neighbourhood Renewal have injected funding into the area and it is essential that DSD work with DRD who are responsible for the development of the new road, to ensure that the community long term health and well being is a key priority" said the Councillor who is also Chairperson of Newry and Mourne Councils A1 Road Liaison Committee.