A motion calling on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to suspend advancement towards full City and District of Sanctuary status was defeated in a council vote on Monday evening.

The Democratic Unionist Party had tabled the proposal, led by councillor Henry Reilly, arguing that recent immigration policy changes in the Republic of Ireland warranted a pause.

Under the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, new arrangements have come into effect south of the border. DUP councillors highlighted potential implications for border communities and local public services.

The defeated motion would have halted the accreditation process for the scheme, which supports asylum seekers and refugees, until the full impact on the council area could be assessed.

Following the vote, the DUP group on the council stated that while disappointed, the concerns raised could not be simply dismissed. The group said questions about resource pressures and future obligations were legitimate and deserved scrutiny.

The council did not proceed immediately to full membership but the vote means the process will continue without the requested suspension.