Pause on roadworks in Downpatrick over Christmas period

Pause on roadworks in Downpatrick over Christmas period

22 October 2025

WORK on a £3m regeneration scheme in Downpatrick is to be paused during December and early January.

The bulk of the investment is being provided by the Department for Communities with Newry, Mourne and Down Council contributing £400,000, with the work focused on Church Street and De Courcy Place.

A significant part of Church Street — which is one of the main gateways into the town centre — has already been resurfaced, with new traffic lights to be installed at the Saul Way junction.

While major investment has been poured into neighbouring Market Street and Irish Street over recent years, Church Street missed out when it came to so-called public realm schemes.

But that has changed significantly with the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down Council joining forces to finance a much-needed regeneration initiative.

The government department is already heavily involved in the regeneration of the former police base at Irish Street in the town with the scheme progressing.

The public realm schemes feature new footpath paving and kerbing, decorative street lighting, street furniture, tree planting and relocating overhead cables underground.

A design concept drawn up for De Courcy Place features a planted area and the removal of existing bollards which will be replaced with decorative plant pots. New seating is also proposed in tandem with improved street lighting.

Downpatrick councillor, Conor Galbraith, has welcomed news on the scheme’s suspension during what is a busy time of the year for the business community.

He said the move will make a real difference for business owners and shoppers, confirming he has been liaising with officials and utility providers as the works progress.

“These improvement works are important, but so is keeping the town open and accessible,” said Cllr Galbraith.

“I’ve been clear with council officers and the government department that traders need breathing space over Christmas. I’m glad to see that recognised with a planned break in December and early January so traffic and footfall can flow freely through the town.”

NIE is currently completing advanced electrical works on Church Street and will return to De Courcy Place before the Halloween break.

Cllr Galbraith said once this work is concluded, BT Openreach and Fibrus Broadband will move in to complete their elements early in the new year.

“The council is now in the process of appointing a main contractor, with work on the wider scheme expected to begin next Easter, he revealed.

“I’ll keep pushing to make sure disruption is kept to a minimum and that traders are supported every step of the way.”

Cllr Galbraith added: “These improvements should leave us with a town centre we can all be proud of, but we must get there in a way that keeps businesses open and thriving.”