Walkabout on lack of town investment

Walkabout on lack of town investment

28 July 2021

NEGLECT and a lack of major funding in Downpatrick topped the agenda during a recent walkabout in the town.

It was organised by South Down MLA Colin McGrath,who was joined by Conor Mallon, Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s director of enterprise, regeneration and tourism, and the Department for Infrastructure’s divisional roads manager, Mark McPeak.

The walkabout examined potential future opportunities, with the meeting providing Mr McGrath with the chance to illustrate how “underfunding and neglect of the town” has led to a sizeable portion of it becoming rundown and unpleasant for locals and visitors alike.

Mr McGrath also took the opportunity to highlight what he described as “some of the great work” being done to help revitalise Downpatrick town centre.

He said this is primarily happening primarily in Irish Street where there are plans to redevelop the former police station site and a number of adjacent empty buildings.

In addition, news of a £200,000 revitalisation scheme for the Church Street area was also recently unveiled.

“While the planned £200,000 investment is welcome, we have yet to see how far that will go,” Mr McGrath continued.

“I welcomed the opportunity to show Conor and Mark what we are up against on a daily basis in Downpatrick, between broken footpaths, weeds growing through walls and grubby pavements.

The list is long and well-rehearsed.”

The Assemblyman said that the walkabout was organised to explore potential solutions to the current issues.

“I have made clear to Newry, Mourne and Down Council the need to have the mechanical sweeper in operation in Downpatrick and I understand that this is going to be happening imminently,” he confirmed.

“And while the neglect has led to a stymying of town centre investment, it is time to right that wrong and start identifying solutions which could be looking at areas where we can utilise our footpaths better, or better pedestrian access or installing so-called parklets to allow people to enjoy food in dedicated outside areas.”

Mr McGrath said believes that there were many potential opportunities that the town can explore that will benefit both businesses and residents.

He added that he looked forward to working with the local authority, various government departments and the community in delivering for the town.