Invitation to meeting on future of Delamont Park

Invitation to meeting on future of Delamont Park

24 October 2018

RATEPAYERS are being given an opportunity to help shape the future development of Delamont Country Park Newry, Mourne and Down Council is inviting local people to attend a -in session as part of a new initiative which aims to come up with a masterplan to look at ways of how one of the district’s most popular tourist attractions on the shores of Strangford Lough can become even better.

The drop-in session is being held at the Heron’s Nest in the grounds of the country park on Thursday, November 1, between 10am and 4pm.

The local authority is appointing consultants to help transform the 200-acre park over the next decade and as part of this process, local people are being encouraged to have their say, outlining how they believe Delamont can become even better.

Council officials say Delamont is “of significant tourism value” and its future development is something they want to get right. 

Discussions about the future of the park outside Killyleagh have already been held with representatives from the Education Authority which runs a very successful outdoor education at Delamont and several user groups have also been consulted on the way forward.

Council chairman Mark Murnin said the organisation was keen to hear what local people have to say about how one of the district’s most popular parks should be developed. 

“We are looking at all aspects of developing the park, including its resources and its facilities,” he explained. “I encourage everyone to come to our drop in session to engage with us and share their views and vision on how the park can become even better.”

The council chairman explained the masterplan will build on what is already available and that it was “critical” that those who use the park are able to tell the council what they would like to see provided.

He added: “This will ensure that the park meets and indeed exceeds the expectations of both locals and visitors alike.”

Council officials say they value the importance of the stunning country park as a growing visitor destination within the district and welcome stakeholder views on how it should be developed over the next decade.

Agreement to start work on an eagerly-anticipated masterplan and public consultation process was taken recently following a proposal by Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker.

He is delighted that after several years of campaigning for the park to be upgraded, the local authority shares his view and wants to improve want Delamont has to offer.

He explained development ideas already suggested to him include a pitch and putt course, bowling green, water sports, dedicated camping site and disc golf, with the Rowallane politician also keen to see the walled garden opened to the public, suggesting it would be a terrific venue for outdoor concerts.

“Delamont attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, but there is growing concern about the lack of things for people to do at what is a stunning location,” he said.

“More money needs to be invested in new attractions and it is essential local people and interest groups have a key input into the consultation process to help make Delamont even better.

“That is why they must make the most of next month’s drop-in session. Delamont already has stunning picturesque walks, a children’s adventure playground, miniature railway and cafe, but more investment is needed to enhance what it has to offer.”

Cllr Walker said creating new attractions will increase the park’s profile and attract even more visitors.

He added: “I have always argued Delamont offers massive tourist potential and that with some imaginative thinking and new investment, it can rival any country park in Ireland. That is how special this place is.”