Councillors delighted with plans for centre

Councillors delighted with plans for centre

27 November 2019

ROWALLANE councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews are delighted that work on the first phase of the redevelopment programme at Delamont will start next year.

They say the plans will help transform the sprawling country park and increase visitor numbers.

Cllr Walker said last week’s information event provided an opportunity for people to view the various proposals which will initially be funded by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

“Work is due to start next year which is excellent news,” he said. “I am very excited by these proposals that will enhance what Delamont has to offer to local people and visitors alike.

“These are exciting times for the country park and what is being proposed will make a major difference to a superb tourist facility.”

Cllr Walker said he was also encouraged by the number of people who made their way to the country park last week to view the proposals.

Cllr Andrews said he was delighted that the planned redevelopment of the country park has now reached this stage.

“I am very passionate about Delamont and spend lot of time walking there. It is without doubt one of the jewels in our tourism crown. I am pleased to see the new plans now published after much lobbying and campaigning by Cllr Walker, myself and others,” he continued.

Cllr Andrews said Delamont had a lot to offer, describing it as a “brilliant facility”.

He continued: “Plans to make the park even better will be warmly welcomed. Delamont already attracts huge numbers of visitors and the various proposals which have been unveiled have the potential to significantly increase that.

“Delamont is as a wonderful park located in a spectacular location. The plans for the future are welcome and I hope that they will pave the way for more visitors coming out-of-season.”

Cllr Andrews said that the country park is ideally located on the shores of Strangford Lough and open all year round.

He added: “The existing playground, cafe, miniature railway, caravan park and stunning walks attract people in their thousands but there is the potential to do so much more. 

“The Education Authority is currently redeveloping Delamont House in the grounds of the country park which it uses as an outdoor pursuits centre. Once earmarked for closure, the property was reprieved and will become a vital part of the park’s redevelopment jigsaw.”