Cllr Conor Galbraith (SDLP) says the entrance area to Downpatrick on the Belfast Road needs attention
SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith has expressed his concerns at a number of key issues at the Belfast Road entrance to Downpatrick from the bridge over the River Quoile down to the roundabout.
Against a background of the County Town being left behind, he said much more could be done to create a better impression for visitors coming into the ancient and historic town.
Cllr Galbraith said: “There are a number of issues that cumulatively just degrade the overall first impression you get when you approach Downpatrick once you reach the Belfast Road bridge.
“I understand that some of these issues could be further improved by the respective governments departments and our Council. I will do what I can to press forward on these matters.
“In driving over the River Quoile, there needs to be clear vistas upstream and downstream so visitors can take in the natural beauty of the area. Although there has been some hedge trimming, it needs to be tidied up and done to a plan over the year.
“Gaps could be created without interfering too much in the habitat for birds etc. These views upsteam and downstream of the River Quoile are much undervalued.
“Also, the wooden fencing running along the main road facing Roughal Park on the left hand side approaching the roundabout is basically past its sell-by date and needs replaced.
“This would create a much better impression than an old rotten wooden fence, previously patched up, with gaps in it.
“But one of my main concerns too is the abstract metal statue of St Patrick. Firstly, it needs a proper cleaning. It looks like it is finished in stainless steel but has a lot of green algae and dirt sticking to the upright parts of this figure.
“We need to take more pride in our patron saint.
“And secondly, there are stone blocks that have become dislodged from the base of the statue that need to be re-cemented back in place. The rest of the masonry also should be checked.
“But the area around the statue is well planted out by the Council and definitely a plus. If there was a good quality information board about the history of St Patrick that too would add to the ‘enhanced Downpatrick experience’.
Cllr Galbraith added that there were other on-going issues that local people had complained about such as the increase in fly-posting.
But a key concern he said was the actual state of the surface of the Belfast road which he has received a number of complaints about already.
He noted that the footpath leading out towards the business park used by workers in the industrial estate, joggers, walkers and cyclists needs a proper clean probably with a mechanical brusher to remove the loose stones and dirt that has built up under foot.
“Some of these issues may seem minor, however, but together in the mix they give an impression that Downpatrick is second grade and that is simply not good enough.
“Therefore, more needs to be done for our town.
“Clearing up these basic issues in the short-term at the beginning of the tourist season is really quite low cost with a high impact and would be a good start. Some issues may take longer to address.
“I understand we can’t cut hedges now at this time of year because of bird nesting etc. That’s why forward planning is essential,” added Cllr Galbraith.
