Council proposes car park for working in civic hub nearly a mile away from proposed new offices

Forty-nine new spaces will be created at the site, which was formerly the Kearns and Murtagh garage.

Employees using the site will still have a have a bit of a trek to get to work. Google Maps indicates that the quickest route from Cecil Street – onto Edward Street, then down Lower Catherine Street, onto Monaghan Street, across the Needham Bridge, down Hill Street and into Marcus Square – would take 17 minutes, 0.8 miles away.

According to a transport assessment form lodged as part of the application, “The car park will have 49no. car parking spaces and will be for the use of council staff working at the proposed Civic Hub located off Abbey Way, Newry.

"All spaces will be free of charge and access will be controlled through a barrier system accessible via a fob.”

It adds: “The proposed development site previously accommodated a garage building associated with Kearns and Murtagh vehicle yard. This garage has since been demolished and the site is currently vacant.”

The proposed development is expected to be operational in 2025.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have been approached for comment, while the application is to be advertised in the future.