‘No interest’ shown in McCreesh Park purchase
Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) had previously faced legal action over its decision to sell off Raymond McCreesh Park, with a judicial review finding that residents would need to be consulted on the future of the playground.
They will now look at other options for the Patrick Street site.
update
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Hide AdCouncillors were given a recent behind closed doors update on efforts to dispose of the ‘surplus assets’ site at Patrick Street.
However in open session Sinn Fein chairperson of the strategy, policy and resources committee, Leane McEvoy, said: “During the surplus assets update, it was confirmed that the council’s Patrick Street site has had no interest.”
The city centre park has been a long-running source of controversy, with unionists bitterly opposed to it being named after a republican paramilitary in 2001.
McCreesh, from Camlough, was one of 10 republican prisoners who died in the 1981 Maze Prison hunger strikes.
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Hide AdIn October 2018, NMDDC put McCreesh Park up for sale as “surplus to requirements” despite community support for the playground being retained resulting in a court case in 2019.
Phoenix Law solicitor, Gavin Booth was the legal rep for the Newry community during the judicial review.
He said: “After the residents took the council to a judicial review, NMDDC was to consult with the residents before any decision was made on the future of McCreesh Park.”
clarity
The Local Democracy Service contacted the local authority for clarity on the ‘site’ mentioned.
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Hide AdA spokesperson said: “I can confirm the site is currently the Raymond McCreesh Park.
“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council at the Strategy, Policy and Resources meeting on Thursday 14 September, agreed to continue to look at options for the site at Patrick Street.”