£60k funding boost for heritage railway

£60k funding boost for heritage railway

23 September 2020

THE Downpatrick and Co Down Railway has secured a £60,000 boost from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund.

The finance has been made available via the heritage emergency fund with the news coming after the railway launched an urgent appeal earlier this year to raise £40,000 amid warnings that it could remain closed for the rest of 2020.

Officials at the award-winning heritage railway — which has been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions — explained that the cash was needed to help it get back on track.

Railway officials said the arts and heritage sector has been badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic and that while they were reluctant to ask for help in the current financial climate, they had no choice, Robert Gardiner, chairman, said everyone associated with the railway was “absolutely delighted” with the support from the Heritage Fund.

He explained that the money will be used to protect the railway’s historic buildings and rolling stock from the impact of the enforced closure to visitors by improving security, as well as ensuring the the facility is safe to return to operations when the Covid-19 situation allows.

“We are extremely grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for award of this grant, which secures the railway’s existence for the benefit of the local area over the coming months,” explained Mr Gardiner.

“This is the best news we have had for weeks and will be warmly appreciated by everyone who visits, volunteers or works here. We are looking forward to the day we can once again open our doors to the public.”

The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Northern Ireland director, Paul Mullan, said the organisation was delighted to support the Downpatrick and County Down Railway with emergency funding to help it survive the current crisis. 

He added: “The railway is a major tourist attraction in the region, contributing significantly to the local economy, and attracting visitors from Northern Ireland, the UK and beyond.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, these funds mean vital repairs can be made to the railway to ensure it can re-open safely in the near future.”