Call for green infrastructure and cycle paths for South Down | Newry Times
Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard MP has asked the Department for Infrastructure to deliver cycle paths to link Newcastle with Dundrum and Castlewellan.
The South Down MP added that new infrastructure like this would not only be a great asset for visitors but would transform the lives of our local community.
The delivery of safe routes in this area, he says, would ‘give people the freedom and confidence to walk and cycle as part of their everyday routine’.
Mr Hazzard explains, “Newcastle and the surrounding area, including Dundrum and Castlewellan, attracts a huge number of visitors throughout the year and also has a very active local community who regularly use our outdoor spaces, mountains and forest parks.
“However, there is a real shortage of off-road greenways or cycle paths in the local area.
“One such area is between Castlewellan and Newcastle where there is huge potential to upgrade the existing path to promote greater active travel links between the towns.
“Another area is the very scenic Newcastle to Dundrum route.
“Hugging the coast between Dundrum Bay and Murlough nature reserve, an off-road cycle path would lend itself to some spectacular scenery and tourism attractions.
“Indeed, opening up these stunning routes in the Mourne area would not only help encourage healthy sustainable tourism but would be a much welcome green infrastructure asset for the local community in Dundrum, Castlewellan and Newcastle, who would all benefit immeasurably on a daily basis.
The local MP adds, “I have now asked the Minister to prioritise relatively low-cost schemes such as these, which would have a long-lasting positive benefit for our local community.”
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Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=76644
Posted by NewryTimes News
on Aug 9 2021. Filed under Community, Politics.
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