Centre is vital for Downpatrick

SIR, — The St Patrick Centre is central to the economic and social development of Downpatrick. In such a context it was important that the Board of Trustees of the Centre elected a new Chairman, John Carson. 

I welcome John to his new role; he will bring his many skills from his former role in the management of a major local construction company to the Centre.

The Chair and the Board will meet many challenges. I know that they and the Council will work together in a “unity of purpose” to ensure that this world centre dedicated to St Patrick is pivotal to the development of assets associated with our National Saint.

St Patrick began and ended his ministry in this area. The principal sites associated with St Patrick are located in this area — landing site at Slaney, his first church in Saul, Struell Wells and Down Cathedral where Patrick is buried. I am of the firm belief that visitors and tourists should be received in the Centre; undertake the St Patrick visitor experience and view the film, and then be directed to the Patrician sites and then return to the Centre.

Furthermore, it is important that the Centre and the Council are given every support and encouragement in promoting the Centre, and in underpinning the Patrician Signature Project as central to the economic and tourist development of this area. 

In this respect, I will continue to recruit support for the Centre and make representations on a regional, national and international scale to underscore the importance of this tourism centre as central to the economic development of this area.

Yours etc.,

MARGARET RITCHIE MP.