Demand for answers over future of centre

Demand for answers over future of centre

11 December 2024

FEARS are growing that the Quoile Countryside Centre in Downpatrick will not reopen.

The facility has been closed since the Covid pandemic and despite calls to a leading government department for clarity on its future, the doors look set to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Located at Quay Road on the banks of the Quoile and adjacent to the ruins of Quoile Castle, the centre was opened in 1988 to provide information about the Quoile Pondage and the many other nature reserves in the area.

Stormont agriculture minister Andrew Muir was recently asked to reopen the facility by South Down MLA Colin McGrath with the ministerial response leaving the local politician disappointed.

Mr Muir had been asked to consider a “suite of options” designed to pave the way for the centre’s reopening with Mr McGrath claiming the minister is “listening to his officials more than the public.”

Describing the Downpatrick centre as a “fantastic asset” for the local community and visitors to the area, Mr McGrath said its closure in 2020 was unfortunate, with many hoping it would reopeneventually. 

Mr McGrath said he asked Mr Muir a series of questions “to realget a sense of where he is” and if he is minded to see the centre reopened, given the support that exists for it locally.

“I was deeply disappointed by the responses I received when I asked about the consultation with the public or Tourism NI regarding the closure of the centre and its impact on wider tourism,” he continued.

The local MLA said the ministerial response stated “in respect of tourism in the area, toilet and car parking facilities onsite remain open for public use”.

Mr McGrath said Mr Muir was told by his officials that most visitors come to the area for outdoor recreation purposes and that the closure of the centre had no bearing.

Mr McGrath continued: “Are we really saying that the best we can hope for in terms of tourism offering is a toilet and a car park? 

“The Minister’s point that officials have confirmed most people come for outdoor recreation is not one I accept because the centre has been closed for four years and that is all people can come for at present.”

Mr McGrath said he plans to seek further clarity on Mr Muir’s views.

“Having conducted a straw poll on my social media channels the overwhelming majority of people want to see the centre reopened in some form, even as a café,” he said.

“If the Minister and his officials don’t see this as something they want to pursue, then I’m sure someone from the Downpatrick area will.”

Mr McGrath said leaving Quoile Countryside Centre closed indefinitely was not a viable option. 

He added: “While there are many nature reserves, the Lecale Way is truly one of the most beautiful and historic, while the trail around the centre takes in a tremendous amount of scenic beauty and historic architecture. 

“Having this facility continually closed makes absolutely no sense.”