Landmark Day as Carlingford Lough Greenway is Completed
Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford
Lough Greenway, a transformative cross-border active travel route connecting Newry
in County Down to Carlingford in County Louth.
The Carlingford Lough Greenway is a project supported by the European Union’s
INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body
(SEUPB).
This newly completed 11.4km section, which was officially celebrated on Friday, 12 th
September, forms part of a wider 20km greenway stretching from Newry City to
Carlingford, offering a world-class facility for commuters, recreational users, and
tourists alike.
The celebration event was attended by key project partners and stakeholders,
including Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; David Conway,
Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the
Department of Rural and Community Development; Liz Kimmins MLA, Minister for
Infrastructure; Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB);
Cllr Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council;
Marie Ward, Chief Executive, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council; and Cllr PJ
O’Hanlon, Vice Chairman of East Border Region.
The route links with the existing Newry–Portadown Cycleway and Towpath, creating
a continuous 52km off-road corridor along the east coast of Ireland. This enables
walkers and cyclists to travel off-road between Belfast and Dublin via Sustrans Route
9, also known as the Great Eastern Greenway.
The Carlingford Lough Greenway provides a scenic, safe, and sustainable travel
option, enhancing connectivity between communities on both sides of the border.
Once the Narrow Water Bridge is completed, it will further strengthen cross-border
links, offering direct access from County Louth into the wider County Down area.
Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry Mourne and Down Council and
East Border Region, secured funding of €5.14m from the European Union’s
INTERREG VA Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body
(SEUPB), to deliver the Carlingford Lough Cross Border Greenway. Match-funding
for the project under the INTERREG VA Programme has been provided by the
Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport in
Ireland.
Jerry Buttimer TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community
Development, said: “The opening of the Carlingford Lough Greenway represents an
exciting development for this region. This cross-border greenway project has
received significant financial support through the INTERREG VA programme, with
the Department of Transport providing approximately €3 million to date to support
this project.
“This project is an exemplar initiative of cross-border collaboration with Louth County
Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council working together to realise
11.4km of new greenway. It has resulted in a joined-up piece of walking and cycling
infrastructure with a continuous greenway route now connecting Newry and
Carlingford. This route will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking,
rather than private car use, among leisure users, visitors, and locals.
“In addition, this project will help to ensure a safe journey for individuals using
sustainable mobility modes travelling between the two jurisdictions. This investment
by the Department of Transport to date signals the Government’s commitment to
providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists
and communities across Ireland.”
Liz Kimmins MLA, DFI Minister for Infrastructure, said: “I am delighted to be in
Omeath to celebrate the official opening of the Carlingford Lough Greenway. This
region already has so much to offer, and the completion of this fantastic active travel
route will provide further benefits for local people and visitors to the area.
“My department is committed to encouraging more walking, wheeling and cycling
across all groups within our society, and I’m pleased that my department has been
able to support this project through our partnership working with both councils, north
and south. I want to congratulate all those involved in bringing this wonderful project
to fruition.”
Gina McIntyre, CEO of the SEUPB, said: “The official opening of the Carlingford
Lough Greenway marks a transformative step towards a more connected,
sustainable future for the region. This project not only strengthens cross-border
cooperation but also promotes cleaner and greener travel, healthier lifestyles and
enhances environmental stewardship.”
“This project exemplifies the commitment by the funding partners to building a
shared, sustainable future for all communities in Northern Ireland and the border
counties.”
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “It’s a real pleasure
to see the Carlingford Lough Greenway completed and open for everyone to enjoy.
This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities and
councils work together across borders. Whether you're commuting, out for a walk, or
cycling with family, this greenway offers a safe, scenic and sustainable way to travel.
Louth County Council is proud to have played a part in delivering such a valuable
amenity that will benefit locals and visitors for years to come.”
Cllr Philip Campbell, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson,
said: "I would like to pay tribute to the staff in each partner organisation for their
commitment over many years in delivering this cross-border project and in securing
a significant amount of EU and Central Government funding for its implementation.
The greenway provides visitors with a unique perspective of the district’s stunning
landscapes. By leveraging the strengths of our natural assets, we are continuing are
efforts to position the district as a landmark tourism destination and create a vibrant,
thriving tourism economy that benefits both residents and visitors alike. I am
delighted that everyone can now enjoy at first hand the beauty of Carlingford Lough
and I look forward to future partnership working on proposed connecting linkages via
Narrow Water Bridge and Newry City”.
Cllr PJ O’Hanlon, Vice Chairman of East Border Region, said: “East Border
Region is delighted to have been a partner on this magnificent project, which offers a
unique blend of natural beauty, sustainable travel, and community wellbeing. Visitors
can enjoy breathtaking views across the lough, making it a valuable asset for
tourism, recreation and regional development.”
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “The Carlingford
Lough Greenway is a testament to the power of collaboration and vision. It brings
real benefits to our communities, encouraging healthier lifestyles, supporting local
tourism, and providing a vital link between County Louth and County Down. We’re
delighted to see this project come to life and look forward to seeing it used and
enjoyed by people of all ages.”
