A major investment exceeding £800,000 has been announced for Newry City, focusing on essential road improvements and public realm enhancements.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed the start of the scheme, which targets the A25 New Street and U6294 Canal Quay to bolster the city's transport and active travel infrastructure.

The project involves extensive asphalt resurfacing across 460 metres of the city's road network. This includes the full 290-metre length of New Street—from the courthouse roundabout to the Canal Street junction—and a 170-metre stretch of Canal Quay leading to Erskine Street. A central feature of the work is the installation of a modern toucan-controlled crossing on New Street, designed to provide a safer link for both pedestrians and cyclists.

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The Department for Communities has provided the lion's share of the funding, contributing £798,000 toward the initiative. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins highlighted the impact of the project: "This is a substantial investment for the Newry area which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling in the Newry area."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons added that the upgrades align with the broader Newry Masterplan by enhancing the Newry Towpath and Greenway network.

He said: "My Department's funding of £798,000 will help unlock the full potential of the Newry Towpath and Greenway, as set out in the Newry Masterplan. These improvements will deliver a new safe crossing point and upgrade surface conditions to enhance the route's suitability for walkers, runners, and cyclists. This investment will increase active travel from the Newry Canal Walkway towards the Newry Towpath, making it a safe, accessible, and vibrant sustainable travel corridor."