The Department of Infrastructure has successfully delivered the majority of its 2020/21 work programme in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Updating local council members on the past and future projects, the Department revealed how it worked closely with contractors to develop new working practices to ensure that much needed road maintenance and improvement works could proceed despite Covid restrictions.

Addressing council members, Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Mark McPeak outlined the schemes which came to fruition over the last year.

"During the year a number of significant resurfacing schemes have been completed including the A25 Dublin Road (Phase 1 and Phase 2) in Castlewellan, the A21 Saintfield Road in Ballynahinch, and the A2 Warrenpoint Road dual carriageway," Mr McPeak said.

"Minister Mallon is committed to the delivery of active travel schemes across the north and to making walking and cycling a safer and more attractive option for people getting around. As a result of £1.1m from the Minister's Blue/Green Fund, we will be progressing a number of active travel schemes in the 2021/22 year involving the construction of a number of shared footway/cycleways. Schemes include 2km of shared footway/cycleway on the A28 Carbane Way / Craigmore Way in Newry, 1.6km (of 4.4km) as a first phase on the A50 Castlewellan to Newcastle road and 1.4km (of 2.8km) as a first phase on the A2 Clough to Dundrum road.

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"In the 2020/21 financial year, Minister Mallon announced the roll out of new part-time 20mph speed limit schemes at 103 schools across Northern Ireland and I am pleased to confirm that 12 schools across the Newry, Mourne and Down area are in the process of benefitting from this programme. It is the Minister’s intention to take forward a further tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools and all schools in the Newry, Mourne and Down area are being assessed and prioritised to inform the 2021/22 programme."

He continued: "The Minister recognises the importance of street lighting and allocated sufficient funding to ensure a full repair service was delivered in the full 2020/21 year; the Minister has again allocated sufficient funding this year to maintain this level of service. Total expenditure on street lighting during the 2020/21 year amounted to approximately £2m and included both full system replacement schemes and energy efficient LED lantern schemes. Among the areas that received LED lighting were Main Street in Killough, Main Street in Newcastle and A2 Newry Road in Warrenpoint.

"My staff will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic progression and provide measures for pedestrians and cyclists."

Further updates were delivered on the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass, which will see a Direction Order coming into effect on 16 July 2021. With regard to the Newry Southern Relief Road, the Department has also been provided with a report from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council giving consideration to the bridge type over the Newry Ship Canal which includes an assessment of economic benefits.