Councillors say Newry’s lack of cleanliness is offensive. They seek immediate action from the council to address it.
Dáire Hughes, Valerie Harte, and others attended the meeting. Geraldine Kearns, Cathal King, and Aidan Mathers were also there. They voiced concerns about the city’s appearance, with Hughes noting a decline in Newry’s cleanliness.
He said residents are rightfully annoyed, stating that other areas are much cleaner. The council must handle many issues. These include full bins and dirty paths.
Dog fouling and illegal dumping are problems, and canal upkeep needs focus, too. These issues hinder Newry’s appeal. Residents pay rates and want good services.
Mathers mentioned roadside trash at Newry’s entrances. This gives visitors a bad first look. He wants priority given to bins and paths, adding that overflowing bins are a disgrace.
Harte asked the council to improve Monks Hill Cemetery because residents have loved ones buried there. Gravesites must be clean and well kept. Regular grass cutting and trash removal are key requests.
Harte also brought up construction debris, noting that contractors leave it behind too often. The council will address this issue directly. They plan to talk to contractors to improve outcomes.
King said illegal dumping plagues rural and urban areas. He suggested the council study other areas. They could adopt methods to stop illegal dumping here. The council will work with Louth County Council.
The Sinn Féin group wants to encourage community pride. They hope the council can support communities. Working together can help make Newry a better place.
Kearns thinks Newry Canal should be a great asset, citing its historical importance to the town. However, it’s often unpleasant and poorly maintained. The council pledged more canal cleanings soon.
Kearns insisted on cleaner housing estates too. The council must clear trash regularly, she pleaded. Bins should be emptied consistently as well. Residents deserve clean communities.
Hughes said the meeting was productive overall. He thinks the council acknowledged the issues and are actively working to fix the various problems. Sinn Féin will monitor the progress, as they want a very clean environment for all.