Dundrum roadworks suspension at Easter

Dundrum roadworks suspension at Easter

17 April 2019

WORK on a new main gas pipeline in Dundrum will be suspended over the busy Easter holiday period.

Phoenix Natural Gas has agreed to the move given the huge volume of traffic which passes through the village en route to Newcastle and the wider Mournes area at the traditionally busy holiday period.

The company’s decision has been welcomed by South Down MLA Colin McGrath and SDLP Slieve Croob election candidate Hugh Gallagher.

Mr McGrath raised the Easter work schedule in Dundrum with Phoenix officials after speaking with the Newcastle business community and residents in the area.

“I made the point to Phoenix officials that continuing the work in Dundrum over the Easter holiday period would cause great disruption on the number of people visiting the village and Newcastle,” he explained.

“We were informed that usually on occasions such as this, workers would stop work for a day or two. However, I made the case that this would simply not be adequate for either Dundrum or Newcastle, given the sheer volume of people they would have to accommodate over Easter.”

Mr McGrath said contractors will stop work tomorrow and recommence work on the mains pipeline the following Wednesday, April 24.

“This will ensure that the main route through Dundrum will be open from Good Friday through to the following Wednesday morning. I would like to thank Phoenix for its engagement on this issue and willingness to work for a positive resolution. Local businesses will especially benefit from this move.”

Mr Gallagher said Phoenix’s decision was a “sound example” of the company’s willingness to listen to local people. 

He added: “This move to stop the works over the Easter weekend and on Easter Monday and Tuesday which will be a tremendous benefit to the people of the area, local businesses and those making their way here over the busy holiday period.”