GREEN GLORY FOR NEWRY LINKAGES PUBLIC REALM SCHEME

The Newry City Linkages Public Realm Scheme, completed along Buttercrane and Merchants Quay has won a Green Apple Environment Award in the national campaign to find Britain’s greenest companies, councils and communities.

The Scheme, witnessed significant streetscape improvement works to the Canal side pathways along the Quay in 2013/14. Funded jointly by the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Council, key works included the replacement of the existing canal boundary wall with a new decorative maritime railing and the removal of car parking spaces to facilitate the provision of a new wider granite paved/kerbed pathway. New decorative street lighting, street furniture, tree planting and public art were also installed as part of the scheme.

The scheme competed against other nominations in the Green Apple Awards for the Built Environment & Architectural Heritage. The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the country’s major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, Chairperson Naomi Bailie stated that, “the award is a great recognition for a scheme that has provided a significant investment in Newry’s Waterfront as highlighted within the Newry City Centre Master plan and has given a further boost to the rejuvenation of Newry’s Historic Canal.” Cllr Bailie concluded by saying, “Council in partnership with others would continue to encourage further regeneration investment right across the district in the years ahead.”

The awards are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.

The Green Apple Awards are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Waste Management and other independent bodies.