Hopes for cycle and footpath to link Murlough and Twelve Arches

Hopes for cycle and footpath to link Murlough and Twelve Arches

3 January 2024

AN alternative route for a £220,000 footpath and cycle lane linking Dundrum with the Twelve Arches bridge at Murlough is being examined.

Part of the disused Belfast and County Down railway line was to be used to develop the new path which is similar to one provided by the Department for Infrastructure between Clough and Mount Panther and which runs along the main Dundrum Road.

Details of new path and cycle lane were outlined last month, with the work scheduled to be carried out in two stages. 

The project is also a key part of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s 10-year vision for active travel across the district.

In addition, the initiative is designed to encourage people to take up walking and cycling and make active travel a serious option for them and visitors.

Part of the proposed new walkway and cycle lane includes a stretch of the old railway line which is owned by the local authority.

When work is complete, it will link up to the new path between Clough and Mount Panther. Department for Infrastructure officials are seeking approval to develop the new route on local authority-owned land.

While welcoming the investment, Slieve Croob councillor, Andy McMurray, is concerned that people using the new lane will have to cross the busy main road into Newcastle twice.

He raised his concern with the Department for Infrastructure and joined a recent site meeting with roads engineers, National Trust representatives and Dundrum Village Association members.

Cllr McMurray has also confirmed that since the meeting, the National Trust has confirmed it is open to the potential of working in partnership with the government department to explore the potential of locating the travel route on land that it manages.

“While the people of Dundrum wish to have better connectivity to the outdoor spaces within their locality, via active travel ways, the proposed location of the new path along the land side of the A2 Newcastle Road towards the Slideryford Bridge was not agreeable to all that contacted me about this matter,” he continued.

“This was in no small part due to the proximity of traffic to the travel way, as well as the crossing to be negotiated at the Twelve Arches. There was however a perception that this was the only available route for the active travel way due to the agencies involved.”

Cllr McMurray said that from the outset of the recent meeting, it became clear that perceived objections from the DfI and other agencies to using the Lecale/Ulster Way which runs from the Downshire to Slidderyford Bridge were unfounded and that this route could in fact be used.

The Slieve Croob councillor said he’s hopeful that all the agencies involved can continue to work together to ensure that the new investment is delivered for residents and visitors alike.