Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the findings of the feasibility study into the Newry Southern Relief Road.

Minister Murphy said he recognised the transport benefits that a new road link, between the A2 Warrenpoint Road dual carriageway and the A1 Belfast / Dublin Key Transport Corridor, would bring to this area.

"This scheme would provide a new strategic transport link to support the economic growth of the city, improve transport links to Warrenpoint Harbour, increase road safety and contribute to a reduction in congestion within the centre of Newry," he said.

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"The report takes account of traffic demands on the main road network, in the southern part of Newry city centre, together with the constraints presented by existing development, the challenging topography and sensitive environment of the area."

Mr Murphy has asked Roads Service to proceed with further environmental and engineering assessments and to engage in a wider consultation process, in order to find a preferred corridor for the relief road.

(PR/KMcA)