Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, has completed the Carlingford Lough Greenway, an 11.4km cross-border active travel route connecting Newry in County Down to Carlingford in County Louth.

The project, supported by the European Union's INTERREG VA Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), forms part of a wider 20km greenway linking Newry City to Carlingford. It integrates with the existing Newry–Portadown Cycleway and Towpath, creating a continuous 52km off-road corridor along Ireland's east coast and connecting to Sustrans Route 9, the Great Eastern Greenway.

The greenway provides a dedicated, off-road route for walkers and cyclists, enhancing connectivity between communities on both sides of the border. Completion of the Narrow Water Bridge will further improve direct access from County Louth into County Down.

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Louth County Council and its partners secured €5.14m in EU INTERREG VA funding for the project, with match-funding provided by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport in Ireland.

Officials attending the opening highlighted the project's contribution to sustainable transport infrastructure and cross-border collaboration. Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, noted that the greenway provides safe, high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure that encourages sustainable travel between jurisdictions. Liz Kimmins MLA, Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, emphasised the project's role in supporting active travel.

Gina McIntyre, CEO of SEUPB, described the greenway as a step towards a more connected and sustainable regional infrastructure. Councillors Seán Kelly (Louth County Council), Philip Campbell (Newry, Mourne and Down District Council), and PJ O'Hanlon (East Border Region) all recognised the project's value for regional development, tourism, and community access. David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, highlighted the benefits for local communities, recreation, and cross-border connectivity.

The Carlingford Lough Greenway now offers a secure, scenic route for commuters, recreational users, and tourists, demonstrating effective collaboration across councils and government bodies.

More information is available at www.carlingfordloughgreenway.ie.