By Ryan Sands
A MOURNES councillor has voiced her frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress in the carrying out of repair works at the Shimna River in the centre of Newcastle.
In a statement, Jill Truesdale (Alliance) questioned the “lack of a cohesive approach to, and apparent non-importance of, the retaining walls and weir” at the town centre location.
In February 2024, a planning application for stabilising and remedial works on the riverbanks was submitted by the council, though this has not yet been progressed to a recommendation or decision.
“The area from the Shimna Road bridge to the weir in the middle of Newcastle has been an ongoing, unmitigated disaster in a supposed ‘premier tourist destination’,” said the local representative.
“It is an unsightly mess, causing severe implications for the ongoing flooding situation and to many residents and visiting anglers.
“I started on this case in February 2025, as I am a resident, and noticed the retaining walls were still in a bad way and the weir was collapsing.”
