McGrath says Downpatrick’s greater need demands action now
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has said the Infrastructure Minister’s failure to deliver meaningful flood protection for Downpatrick displays a deeply disappointing lack of commitment to a town that cannot afford to be left waiting.
Mr McGrath was speaking after Sinn Féin Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited Newry to promote a £300,000 flood protection pilot protecting around 30 businesses.
Mr McGrath said investment in Newry was welcome, but questioned why Downpatrick, where the need is greater and the town centre more vulnerable, remains without similar practical intervention almost three years after the devastating floods of 2023.
Mr McGrath said: “Newry deserves protection from flooding, and I welcome investment that helps businesses there.
“But government has a responsibility to allocate limited resources according to need, and Downpatrick desperately needs action.
“Newry is a larger city with greater economic resilience. It suffered terribly in 2023, but it has the strength and scale to recover. Downpatrick is different.
“When businesses disappear from our town centre, there is no guarantee they will be replaced. Another major flood could cause damage from which parts of our town may never recover.
“That is why I find the Infrastructure Minister’s lack of delivery so disappointing.
“Her Department has identified a preferred £22.5 million scheme that could protect more than 100 homes and businesses in Downpatrick, yet we still have no funding commitment, no delivery timetable and no date for work to begin.
“This cannot become a competition between neighbouring towns. It is about recognising vulnerability and directing public resources where the consequences of inaction are greatest.
“If Ministers can work across departments to find £300,000 and deliver practical protection for businesses in Newry, they must show the same determination for Downpatrick.
“We have had the flooding. We have had the reports. We know what needs to be done. Downpatrick now needs the political commitment to get it done.”
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