Clean-up of Quoile River by members

Clean-up of Quoile River by members

9 April 2025

MORE than 16 bags of rubbish were collected along the banks of the Quoile river by members of a local conservation group recently.

The River Quoile Trust was set up to improve water quality, recreation and conservation of the picturesque Downpatrick waterway.

Members, some of whom were in canoes, braved inclement weather to take part in the annual litter pick and among the items they recovered were tyres, bicycles, footballs and old buckets.

It was very cold and wet and the wind was unexpected on the river which caused two canoeists to capsize. 

The canoeists managed to rescue and return some nets and balls to Teconnaught GAC.

Downpatrick councillor, Cadogan Enright, led canoeists from Loch Cuain Canoe Club, with Cllr Philip Campbell leading a team of volunteers from Downpatrick Community Collective, Finnebrogue Jobs and Good Morning Down who cleaned river pathways on foot. 

Trust chairman, Stephen O’Hare, led walking volunteers from Killyleagh, Crossgar and Strangford and around Downpatrick with all those involved in the initiative filling more than 16 bags of rubbish.

Trust members say they are still “astounded by what reckless people throw into the river” and revealed there was every brand of wrapper and drink you could think of, including branded disposable coffee cups beside the litter bin — not in it.

The Trust has thanked all the volunteers who took part in the annual litter pick and the committee members who organised the event and Newry, Mourne and Down Council for lending litter picks and providing the bin bags.

Thanks were also extended to Finnebrogue Jobs for providing lunch, drinks and snacks.