Running track appeal

Running track appeal

13 November 2024

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been urged to get out of the blocks to develop the district’s first ever professional running track in East Down.

Despite the absence of such a facility, the area has been represented on the world athletics stage by Portaferry’s Ciara Mageean and Newcastle’s Kerry O’Flaherty, with Downpatrick proud of rising athletics star Anna Gardiner.

But one local politician believes a new running track can help nurture fresh talent and set them on a course for international glory.

The call for a dedicated running track was raised at Monday night’s monthly meeting of the local authority by Mournes councillor and keen runner Laura Devlin.

Cllr Devlin said a dedicated running track 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,” she said.

“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 is a six lane running track in Newry, East Down is 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 the SDLP is committed to promoting health and wellbeing in Newry, Mourne and Down and 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 added: “I would encourage everyone in the community to voice their support and share their ideas. Together, we can strive to make this vision a reality and ensure that East Down becomes a hub for athletics and healthy living.”

The proposal for a dedicated running track has been referred to the local authority’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee for further discussion.