The Department for Communities (DfC) has announced a further investment of £2.6 million in Warrenpoint.

The investment will bring forward a major public realm scheme in the Havelock Car Park area.

Creating more shared space, the project will enhance the recently completed £2m Front Shore Scheme which has transformed the appearance of the shoreline.

The project will see:

• Improvements to the pedestrian pathways around the car park as well and resurfacing;

• The cleaning, repointing and refurbishment of the boundary walls and railings;

• Inclusion of speed bumps to manage traffic speed and flows;

• Removal/cutting back of shrubbery and decluttering of footways; and

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• Increase in number of accessible parking spaces.

Gerard Murray, the Director of Regional Development at the DfC, said: "This new investment of £2.6 million will further sympathetically enhance the Front Shore area to complement the recently completed scheme along the Promenade.

"The improvements will make the area more welcoming, accessible and safe. It will contribute to the reimaging and revitalisation of the Front Shore to attract visitors and shoppers to the town centre and help create a positive experience for all those who live, work and visit the area."

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is contributing £0.5 million to the investment.

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Valerie Harte, stated: "This Public Realm Scheme represents the next stage of investment which builds on the recently finished Warrenpoint Front Shore project completed in June 2023.

"This investment by DfC is most welcome and presents an opportunity to significantly improve the physical infrastructure of the Havelock Place and Osbourne Terrace Car Parks area, which are long overdue an upgrade."

On-site work will begin in January 2024.