Work on the Carlingford Lough Greenway from Newry to Victoria Lock is now complete.

The route, which is approximately 5.7kms, was officially opened on 27 July.

To complete the Greenway from Newry to the Weir on the Middlebank, initial funding was secured by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council through the Landfill Communities Fund administered by Ulster Wildlife and DAERA.

Further funding of €3.46 million was then secured from the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme by Newry Mourne and Down Council in partnership with Louth County Council and East Border Region.

Match-funding for the project under the INTERREG VA Programme has been provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland. Overall, the new 5.7km stretch will build on the Carlingford Marina to Omeath Greenway.

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Cllr Mark Murnin, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the staff in each partner organisation for their foresight and commitment in developing this genuinely cross border project and in securing a significant amount of EU funding for its implementation. I look forward to returning in the future to see the finished greenway which will greatly enhance our cross border region."

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Liam Reilly, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region on this Greenway, which, when completed, will see commuters and tourists alike able to travel from Carlingford to Newry on foot or by bike on a scenic, safe and traffic-free route."

Once fully complete in 2020, the Carlingford Lough Greenway will provide a cross-border green travel route, extending approximately 20km from Newry City to Carlingford. In addition, it will link with the existing Newry/ Portadown Cycleway/Towpath, resulting in a total length of 52km of greenway along the East coast of Ireland.

(LM/MH)