MP calls for investment in Downpatrick railway

MP calls for investment in Downpatrick railway

23 August 2017

THE ongoing expansion of Downpatrick railway is an “absolute must” according to South Down MP, Chris Hazzard.

Mr Hazzard and his MLA colleague, Emma Rogan, visited the Downpatrick and Co Down Railway Museum at the weekend to discuss various expansion proposals, including the line extension to Ballydugan.

“For many years now the Downpatrick Railway Museum has brought growing numbers of visitors into Downpatrick to enjoy the sights and sounds of our unique railway heritage,” said Mr Hazzard.

“But we have now reached a point that if we don’t invest in the greater vision for a major visitor attraction the local area will never realise the full potential of what is on our doorstep.

“There is absolutely no reason why the heritage Railway Museum in Downpatrick can not compete with the likes of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra or the American Folk Park in Omagh. But it requires strategic investment and expansion now. 

“With tourism increasingly becoming our strongest economic driver locally, the expansion of the Downpatrick Railway must be at the centre of what’s on offer in east Down.”

Mr Hazzard said that in the months ahead he would be discussing the potential of expanding the existing railway lines with Newry, Mourne and Down Council management, as well as opportunities to better utilise the Viking burial site of the Norwegian King Magnus Barefoot near the railway.

Ms Rogan added: “The small team of volunteers at the Railway Museum have done an incredible job in protecting and maintaining our local railway heritage in Downpatrick.

“They deserve huge credit for their efforts thus far; and we look forward to working with them in securing whatever support is required from government agencies to finally deliver their exciting vision for a world class visitor attraction in the heart of Downpatrick.”