Public inquiry into proposal for new super council

Public inquiry into proposal for new super council

21 August 2013

A PUBLIC inquiry is to take place into the proposed merger of Down and Newry and Mourne Councils.

The inquiry, to be held in Newcastle’s Slieve Donard Hotel on Thursday, September 12, is one of nine being held across Northern Ireland into plans to reduce the province’s councils from 23 to just 11.

The one-day inquiry will be presided over by an Assistant Electoral Commissioner and will provide an opportunity for the public to discuss the various objections which were received during the recent consultation period.

The inquiries will only look at the proposed make-up of the various electoral areas within the new council area.

The Ulster Unionist Party, Alliance and SDLP MP, Margaret Ritchie, have all raised concerns about certain aspects of the proposed new ‘super council.’

The biggest concern among politicians are plans to move the three Newcastle wards, of Tollymore, Donard and Murlough, into a new electoral area called ‘Mourne’ which would include Annalong and Kilkeel.

Newcastle has long been linked with Castlewellan and Dundrum but these latter areas would be part of a new Slieve Croob electoral area which would include Ballyward, Drumaness and Spa.

The UUP believe the three Newcastle wards should be included in Slieve Croob where they will have a more natural affiliation than being linked to the Mournes area.

The Ulster Unionists also want Ballynahinch town moved into Slieve Croob rather than being part of the Rowallane electoral area which includes Crossgar, Saintfield and Killyleagh.

The Alliance Party also wants Newcastle’s links with Castlewellan and Dundrum to be retained. Party councillor Patrick Clarke says it “flies in the face of any common sense” to divide a cohesive population and link its main town with the other side of the Mournes.

Alliance wants an electoral area made up of Donard, Murlough Tollymore, Dundrum, Castlewellan and Ballyward and the abolition of plans for a Slieve Croob ward.

Margaret Ritchie believes moving the Newcastle wards into a Mournes electoral area will create problems because the area will be covered by two different policing divisions, two education and library boards and two health and social care trusts.

The inquiry will open at 10am and run until 12.30pm. The afternoon session will run from 1.30-5pm. Anyone wishing to make a presentation at an inquiry should arrive at 9.30am for registration, in order to arrange a timetable of speakers.