Downpatrick PSNI blast wall removal to boost traffic flow

Downpatrick PSNI blast wall removal to boost traffic flow

27 January 2016

CONFUSION surrounds the start date for work to remove the blast wall at Downpatrick’s former Irish Street police base.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said it was her understanding that work to remove the blast wall from the heavily fortified base would start in the summer and conclude at the end of September.

But the Department of Regional Development has confirmed it has not been in any discussions with the PSNI about the removal of the blast wall with a spokesman adding: “Contrary to reports stating otherwise, no discussions have taken place between PSNI and TransportNI regarding the removal of the existing fortification at the former police station in Irish Street Downpatrick.”

A PSNI spokeswoman said while the organisation is in consultation about the removal of the fortifications from the former police base, a timescale for the work has yet to be agreed.

Police officers relocated to a new multi-million pound base at the Downshire Civic Centre last month with the move paving the way for the blast wall outside the old station to be removed.

Miss Ritchie said the demolition project will allow work to start on much-needed traffic improvements in the town centre and hopes it can be completed as quickly as possible so any closure in irish Street is kept to a minimum.

The MP added: “It’s important the work is completed quickly in order that residents, traders and visitors can reap the benefits of a wider Irish Street and improved traffic progression throughout the town.”