Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Newry to launch the public realm scheme in Monaghan Street and Hill Street.

During his visit to the city centre Minister McCausland walked around the city and said: "During my last visit to Newry in October the city centre streets looked tired and worn looking however the public realm works have completely transformed Hill Street and Monaghan Street. The city now feels bright and welcoming and there is a real vibrancy and buzz about the streets. The opening up of space in Hill Street and Monaghan Street has created more space for shoppers, more new seats and new bright lights to encourage evening trading. During my walk around the city centre, traders and shoppers praised the vast improvement that the works have made to the city. It is important that our high streets are a place that people want to relax and spend time in and it is clear that this investment has achieved just that for Newry."

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The completion of this scheme is the first initiative to be delivered from the Newry City Centre Masterplan that was launched by DSD and Newry & Mourne District Council last year.

Minister Nelson McCausland pledged further support for Newry and announced funding for a £300,000 Revitalisation project in the Hill Street and Monaghan Street areas of Newry City Centre.

During his visit to Newry, the Minister learnt more about other projects the DSD South Eastern Regeneration Office is working on with Newry & Mourne District Council such as the proposed 'Linkages Scheme'. The Linkages Scheme aims to capitalise on the unique asset of the two watercourses that run through the city centre.

(CD)