Cllr Conor Galbraith (SDLP succeeded in getting a night-time economy motion through the ERT Committee in Council
At a full meeting of Newry Mourne and Down District Council on 2nd March 2026, SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith brought forward a motion on concern for the night-time economy of Downpatrick and its impact on the town generally. The motion was initially seconded by Cllr King.
The motion was deferred to the Economic Regeneration and Tourism sub-committee heard this evening (20th April 2026.
Councillor Galbraith read his motion as follows: “Noting with concern the ongoing challenges facing the development and sustainability of the night-time economy within Downpatrick town centre, and the impact this has on town centre vibrancy, employment, and perceptions of safety;
“and recognising Downpatrick’s important role as the County Town of Down, this Council commits to the appointment of a Night Time Economy Champion with a specific initial focus on the regeneration and sustainability of the night-time economy in Downpatrick;
“will host an engagement event with local businesses and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group;
“will seek a meeting with a delegation from Belfast City Council to learn from their experience of this process;
“and will develop an action plan for Downpatrick’s night-time economy, taking account of the opportunities afforded by the regeneration of Irish Street.”
The night-time economy in Downpatrick is ailing. And has been for a number of years. Cllr Conor Galbraith’s motion was designed to breathe new life into the County Town.
A council officer reported on the proposal that the Purple Flag was an accreditation scheme whereby the businesses of Downpatrick could work to create a “vibrant, diverse, and safe night-time economy.”
The officer noted that the Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework was launched in 2023 and that the Downpatrick Working Regeneration Group meets monthly to progress projects identified in the action plan. She indicated there was scope to map out the Purple Flag areas based on the Belfast experience and model these for the night-time al all day economy in Downpatrick.
And the next steps included enagaging with the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to work up an action plan for the night-time economy.
The officer added that also engagement with the business community would be necessary and with local and relevant agencies. The employment of a night-time champion would also be further examined to understand scope and cost.
The Belfast BIDs had appointed a part-time tzar to manage this project looking at improving night-time transport, addressing violence against women and girls, promoting Culture Night, and addressing Pavement Cafe Licensing.
Galbraith sums it up in speaking to his motion
Cllr Conor Galbraith said after reading his motion: “I want to begin by thanking council officers for the work that has gone into this report. It is clear a great deal of effort and consideration has been given to the issues and opportunities surrounding Downpatrick’s night time economy, and that is very much appreciated.
“This motion is about taking the next step. It asking for the appointment of a Night-Time Economy Champion, someone who can provide leadership, coordination and a clear voice for this vital part of our local economy.
“It also calls for meaningful engagement with our local businesses, pubs, restaurants, cafés, and venues that form the backbone of Downpatrick’s evening and night-time offer. Their insight and experience will be essential if we are to get this right.
“In addition, that council seek to meet with a delegation from Belfast City Council to learn from their experience. Belfast has made significant progress in this area, and there is real value in understanding what has worked, what hasn’t, and how those lessons can be applied locally.
“Ultimately, this is about developing a clear and deliverable action plan for Downpatrick’s night-time economy, one that is ambitious but realistic and rooted in the needs of the town.
“I fully recognise that there will be challenges along the way. Regenerating a night time economy is not something that happens overnight. It requires coordination, investment, and sustained commitment. But doing nothing is not an option.
“I welcome the ongoing work toward Purple Flag accreditation and look forward to seeing that progress. Achieving that standard would send a strong signal that Downpatrick is a safe, vibrant and welcoming place after dark.
“The potential appointment of a Night-Time Economy Champion could play a key role in driving this forward, helping to connect stakeholders, unlock opportunities, and maintain momentum. At its core, this motion is about belief in Downpatrick, belief in its people, its businesses, and its future.
“Because Downpatrick Deserves Better.
Conor Galbraith Survives Challenges From Glyn Hanna and Oonah Hanlon
Sinn Féin Councillor Oonah Hanlon called for an amendment to include ideas of day-time foot fall in Downpatrick, improved visitor experience, and to look at the economy of the area holistically.
Cllr Conor Galbraith rejected the proposal on the basis that he was focussing on the ailing night-time economy but did not exclude the need to examine the wider aspects of this issue.
SDLP Cllr Killian Feehan asked for an amendment to include Newry in the overall proposal. Cllr Galbraith accepted this.
Cllr Glyn Hanna (DUP) asked if Newcastle could be included in this proposal too. Economic Development Manager Conor Mallon said that there was no funding involved at this stage, just council staff resources. He also aske dif he woulkd accept Newcastle too in the towns included. Galbraith rejected the idea.
Speaking after the debate following the background report from the Council officer, Cllr Galbraith thanked the councillors for their support and was glad the motion passed.
The DUP Cllr Callum Bowsie intervened in the final stages and said that Councillors should respect the motions brought forward to the chamber in good faith and that they should not attempt to dilute them down.
Cllr Oonagh Hanlon retorted she would continue her work with the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group.
It was a tense debate but overall Cllr Conor Galbraith pulled off some forward movement that may see changes occurring for the night-time economy in the County Down Town of Downpatrick in the longer-term.
