DCDR Gets Sleeper Donation From Central Junction

Great Victoria Street Track Heads to Downpatrick

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway (DCDR) welcomed the generous donation of timber railway sleepers from Translink and Babcock, the main rail systems lead contractor on the Belfast Grand Central Station project.

This significant contribution will support the DCDR’s ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance its historical railway infrastructure, as it continues to recover from the floods of November 2023.

The railway sleepers were formerly part of the approach tracks to the old Great Victoria Street station at Central Junction, which closed in May 202.

The sleepers are now being replaced by new materials for the new Belfast Grand Central Station that will replace the Europa and Great Victoria Street bus and rail stations.   

Robert Gardiner, Chairman of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway expressed his gratitude for the donation and said: “We are immensely grateful to Translink and Babcock for their generous donation of these timber sleepers.

“It ensures we can continue to renew our infrastructure and operate our heritage railway for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

“The fact that these sleepers come from Belfast Great Victoria Street station and are being recycled further underscores the positive environmental impact of this donation.” 

Robert added: “The donated sleepers will be used in the coming months and years to replace aging track components, and Translink and Babcock’s generosity not only helps us maintain our railway but also sees materials saved for reuse instead of going for scrap.  

“By recycling these timbers and gifting them to a charity, Babcock is not only aiding the DCDR but also promoting environmentally-friendly practices, as well as sustainability and community support.”

“We also want to express our gratitude to AMC Training and Consultancy for identifying our need for donations and coordinating directly with Babcock and Railway Plant Services (RPS) to ensure the safe delivery of materials to our site.”

The Downpatrick and County Down Railway is the only full-sized heritage railway in Northern Ireland, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s rich railway history, offering a unique experience for visitors of all ages to explore the history and heritage of the region’s railways.

The railway operates both steam and diesel trains and features a museum, workshops, and regular special events, and hopes to reopen in autumn of this year.