Delamont park plans to be unveiled

Delamont park plans to be unveiled

13 November 2019

PLANS for the future development of Delamont Country Park will be made public next week.

Local people are being invited to view the plans at the sprawling country park’s Heron’s Nook next Thursday between 11am and 3pm during what is being described as a ‘-in’ session.

The local authority is unveiling the blueprint for the future almost a year after people were asked for their views on what they would like to see provided at the park on the shores of Strangford Lough.

Local people and politicians say a major upgrade is needed, with council officials planning a phased approach to its redevelopment which will include enhancing key natural and built heritage features 

including the Rath, walled garden and pond.

Council officials are keen to maximise Delamont’s strategic location on the shores of the internationally acclaimed waterway and are exploring different options on how it can develop and improve key areas.

They include the way in which park information is interpreted for visitors highlighting its wildlife, flora and fauna, park events and links with Strangford Lough. 

Local authority officials say that in order to do this, the organisation is exploring the use of a range of different tools including interpretation signs and audio technology.

Other proposals include maximising the viewpoint location via an enhanced viewing platform and improved welcome centre facilities for visitors.

Residents from across the district are being invited to take part in next week’s drop-in session and to provide back on the initial council plans to improve the park.

Ahead of the event, council chairman Charlie Casey, said the 200-acre country park boasts magnificent scenery, with Delamont providing great opportunities to reconnect with the outdoors.

“As the region continues to grow as a visitor destination, Newry, Mourne and Down Council is eager to continue investing in Delamont Country Park for both the local community and visitors to enjoy,” he said.

“Over the past 12 months, the council has been reviewing and consulting on how Delamont should be developed and with innovative proposals now in place, I encourage people to attend the drop-in session to familiarise themselves with the plans to improve the park’s facilities.”

The chairman added: “We look forward to discussing and gathering feedback with park users and members of the local community.” 

Rowallane councillor Billy Walker is encouraging people to attend next Thursday’s event.

He said it was important to remember that improvements will not happen overnight and believes that a phased approach is the best way forward.

“Delamont is a unique attraction but it could offer so much more. Newry, Mourne and Down Council has plans in place and I have always argued that the country park has unlimited potential,” the councillor continued.

“It is important that local people drive the redevelopment of Delamont with the council responding to their requests. This is the people’s park and their ideas on the way forward must be at the heart of its redevelopment.”

Cllr Walker said that with Delamont already offering stunning, picturesque walks, children’s adventure playground, miniature railway and cafe, it had the capacity to deliver so much more.

He added: “Additional investment will enhance what the park has to offer, attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy. Delamont is without doubt one of the jewels in the district’s tourism crown which has the potential to become even better.”