Clarke seeks action over Dundrum site

Clarke seeks action over Dundrum site

9 January 2013

DUNDRUM councillor, Patrick Clarke, has called for motorhome caravan facilities to be made available at the site of the old Dundrum Primary School.

Councillor Clarke said this was a much needed facility for tourists travelling through the district.

“They need to top up water for washing, for example, and toilet facilities are needed for the village anyway,” he said.

“These motorhomes can take up two to three spaces in car parks they can get into.”

Councillor Clarke said the site on Main Street was still owned by the South Eastern Education and Library Board and the idea of obtaining this land was currently being looked into by Down Council.

The prominent site was once occupied by Downshire Primary School until it closed down over ten years ago. For several years the building lay derelict before finally being demolished.

At one stage there had been plans to develop a satelitte centre of Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick, providing services for teenage students.

However, the project has stalled because of financial problems currently affecting many education projects across the province.

If the Knockevin project is not realised it is likely the education board will be seeking a substantial financial return from the site given its prominent location on the shores of Dundrum Inner Bay. It is therefore unlikely to become a facility for caravans.