Plans for Dunleath

Plans for Dunleath

7 July 2021

A BLUEPRINT for the future development of Dunleath Park in Downpatrick is expected to be made public within the next few weeks.

A detailed design concept for the large area which borders Lower Market Street, Thomas Russell Park, Vianstown Road and the Ballydugan Road industrial estate is currently being put together by senior Newry, Mourne and Down Council officials.

Planning approval has already been granted for a 7.5km new walking and cycling track around the perimeter of the expansive site and it is understood that consideration is being given to the potential development of a skateboard park and so-called bike pump park. A potential new tennis hub is also being suggested.

Local politicians have already met with Rivers Agency officials to discuss the development of Dunleath which is home to a number of sports pitches and is used extensively by the Downpatrick Youth Football League and other sports clubs.

Keen to see the expansive area developed to its full potential, a number of councillors met recently with the district’s planning officials to discuss with them proposed developments that would be acceptable.

Politicians are united in the drive to develop a major sports and community hub at an area which has suffered from a significant lack of local authority investment over decades and want to see the blueprint which comes forward. 

In addition, they say the potential flooding risk at the park must not be used to stifle all suggested proposals moving forward.

Politicians are keen to see a wide-ranging development plan for the town centre location and while they accept that it may not be possible to deliver everything that will be in the blueprint at the same time, they want to aim high and also target potential funders to finance what will be an ambitious project.

A proposal outlining future development opportunities is expected to be tabled at the August meeting of the local authority’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee.

Councillors hope that once the blueprint is published and agreed, a formal planning application can be lodged to kick-start the regeneration of Dunleath Park.

A working group has been set up to oversee the future of the park and its members have taken a  close look at the existing sports pitches, with many keen to provide at least one 3G or 4G pitch which would provide a facility that could be used all year round, whatever the weather conditions.

Councillors say it’s critically important that the park’s development potential is fully exploited and that all options must be on the table to make the facilities which Dunleath will offer the envy of many, providing modern sports and community provision.

Downpatrick councillor, Oonagh Hanlon, has welcomed plans to redevelop Dunleath Park following the recent meeting with council officials and planners.

She confirmed that a design concept will be brought forward to the local authority within the next few months, highlighting the importance of the council “fully exploring” all potential funding opportunities to progress the project.

“Inevitably, there will be restrictions as a significant part of the available development site is located with an area deemed to be a flood risk. 

“However, this should not hamper plans to develop the site and investigate all opportunities to enhance this part of Downpatrick,” Cllr Hanlon insisted.

“In particular, land at the rear of Russell Park is not a flooding risk and there is great potential for a bike pump track and skate park which would be very popular locally.”

Welcoming the recent planning approval for a walking trail and cycle hub at Dunleath, the Downpatrick councillor is also pleased with the ongoing work to come up with a vision to develop Dunleath as a multi-purpose sport and recreation area for Downpatrick and the surrounding area.

Slieve Croob councillor, Cathy Mason, is also supporting new investment at Dunleath Park.

She added: “Skate parks and bike tracks have been very successful in other local council areas and it would be “fantastic to have this developed at Dunleath for residents in Downpatrick and indeed the wider South Down area to enjoy.’”