Janes Shore walk upgrade work

Janes Shore walk upgrade work

25 January 2023

WORK to enhance one of the district’s most picturesque walks in Downpatrick is due to start at the end of the month.

A path which links the Belfast and Old Belfast roads along the banks of the Quoile river at an area known locally as Janes Shore will be closed for three months to allow work on a major refurbishment scheme to be completed.

The upgrade will include the replacement of an existing wooden boardwalk, new fencing and the tarmacking of the existing path surface.

While the work is due to be completed by March 28, people who use the popular route are being reminded that the closure dates could be subject to change due what are being described as “operational reasons.”

The overdue upgrade is part of an ambitious master plan which has been drawn up for the area by Newry, Mourne and Down Council under its Covid recovery initiative with funding being provided by the Department for Infrastructure.

The local authority aims to upgrade large sections of the river walk from the Belfast Road and along Jane’s Shore pathway to connect to the Quoile Pondage area where paths have already been resurfaced.

In addition to replacing ageing boardwalks and fencing, gates and signs will also be updated alongside improved disabled access which will result in a number of paths being widened.

Council officials say the planned improvements are essential for local people who are increasingly using the trails as part of their daily routine and commute, particularly in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

There has also been increased investment along the banks of the river to provide new dedicated fishing stands for those with mobility issues.

The joint investment by the local authority and government department is designed to benefit residents and visitors.

An update on the Downpatrick project was outlined at last week’s meeting of the local council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee.

Councillors were told that the Department for Infrastructure wants to help progress with work to upgrade the path at Janes Shore with work starting shortly.

Local politicians agree that the planned investment will significantly improve access along the area and help disabled anglers in particular who have highlighted the challenges they face of accessing the walkway.

In addition, they say the upgrades will enable everyone to enjoy the uniqueness of the Quoile area as a recreational and tourism asset which is now being used more than ever before.