Councils Meet with Carlingford Ferry Project

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Louth County Council held their first Joint Committee Meeting of 2018 on Wednesday 31 January at Newry Leisure Centre.

The Joint Committee was formed out of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2011 between the two Councils and has subsequently implemented a range of development projects, which continue to strengthen links between the two districts.  Following a Review of Public Administration (RPA), a revised Action Plan was agreed between the two local authorities to support and promote the economic development and competiveness of the areas.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “The Committee discussed the cross border issues in relation to the Carlingford Ferry Project and Paul O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Scenic Carlingford Ferry attended the meeting to give a presentation on key matters.”

“The Project has been a long term aspiration for both Councils and is a tremendous driver for the local tourism sector, while also providing a vital service to many local people in the Mournes and Carlingford area.”

Both Local Authorities have been liaising with the Ferry Project in terms of signage issues, along with wider matters around improving marketing and tourism promotion.  The Committee agreed that attempts will be made to explore methods to improve infrastructure in the Greencastle area and continue to provide support and advice where possible.

The Joint Committee also recently hosted a presentation on the Greenway Project, which included a question and answer session from cycling interest groups, Dundalk Cycling Alliance and the Sustrans Project.  It was evident from the attendance and lively discussion which ensued, that the Greenway attracts the interest from a wide range of users and provides obvious health benefits.  The cross border element of the Greenway is due to be completed by the end of 2019.

Caption L-R:   Edele Corrigan, Declan McAteer, Joint Chairpersons of Louth/Newry Mourne and Down Joint Committee, Paul O'Sullivan, Managing Director of Scenic Carlingford Ferry and Pamela Houston from Houston Consultancy also representing Scenic Carlingford Ferry.