Council examining site for top running track

Council examining site for top running track

19 March 2025

LOCAL politicians will tonight provide with an update on a proposal for a new professional running track in East Down.

Downpatrick is being tipped as the venue for the new 400m six-lane facility with senior Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials currently examining a number of potential sites.

It’s understood the search is looking at local authority-owned facilities and post primary schools where there is room to develop such a facility.

Going forward, the emphasis is on providing the new track as part of a multi-hub sports facility to be developed in partnership with a school or statutory body.

Last November, the local authority was urged to get quickly out of the blocks to develop what would only be the second dedicated running track in the Newry, Mourne and Down area. 

The only current track is in Newry.

Despite the absence of running track locally, the area has produced runners who have represented the district on the world athletics stage — Portaferry’s Ciara Mageean, Newcastle’s Kerry O’Flaherty and rising star Anna Gardiner, from Downpatrick.

Three years ago, as part of a wide ranging review of sports facilities across the district, council officials said interest in running had grown significantly with an estimated 80,000 runners across Northern Ireland, making it one of the highest participation sports.

The review included a recommendation to develop a second athletics track for the district, “strategically located in Downpatrick to best achieve geographical spread, reflecting population density and taking advantage of partnership and funding opportunities.”

Council officials said the running track should ideally be 400m and six lanes, with synthetic surfacing, floodlights and fencing.

They say the track should be then designated as part of a multi-sports hub for Downpatrick.

Mournes councillor and keen runner Laura Devlin, believes a new running track can help nurture fresh talent and set athletes on a course for international glory.

An update on her call for a dedicated running track was provided at last night’s meeting of the local council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee.

Cllr Devlin believes a new track in the East Down area would bring numerous benefits to the community, athletes and health enthusiasts alike.

Stating the case for the track, she said it would not only provide a safe and accessible space for runners of all levels, but foster a culture of fitness and well-being within this part of the district. 

“Investing in a professional running track is an investment in the health of our community,” said Cllr Devlin when she initially outlined her proposal.

“It will also create opportunities for local athletes to train and compete at higher levels, while also encouraging residents to engage in regular physical activity.”

Cllr Devlin said while there was a six-lane running track in Newry, East Down was starved of such provision, despite the presence of numerous athletic clubs.

“We have a number of superb running clubs but also our local GAA, soccer, rugby and boxing clubs and many other sporting codes have expressed a massive interest in such a facility,” she continued.

“The absence of a dedicated running facility has been a significant barrier for many aspiring athletes in the area who currently face challenges training on uneven surfaces or sharing public spaces with other recreational users.”

Cllr Devlin highlighted the success of Kerry O’Flaherty who made it to the Olympics in Rio where she showcased the district on a global stage. 

“Whilst Ciara Mageean lives outside the district, she has huge links with Newry, Mourne and Down and we have up and coming athletes such as Anna Gardiner. A professional running track would ensure that our athletes have the proper environment to develop their skills and achieve their full potential.”

Cllr Devlin said she sees the development of a running track as a crucial step forward.

“The need for a running track has featured in council strategy documents for years now but the issue is the availability of land. We need to re-examine and prioritise this issue,” she declared.

The Mournes councillor is also encouraging everyone in the community to voice their support and share their ideas.

She added: “Together, we can strive to make this vision a reality and ensure that East Down becomes a hub for athletics and healthy living.”