Downpatrick Railway comments on DfI Flood Report
The Downpatrick & County Down Railway (DCDR) has responded to the publication of the Department for Infrastructure’s Downpatrick Flood Alleviation Scheme Feasibility Report, offering what Chairman Robert Gardiner has described as a “cautious welcome” to the study’s findings.
The report, commissioned following the devastating floods of November 2023, recommends “Option N” as the preferred scheme.
This would involve permanent flood defences both within Downpatrick and along the River Quoile.
The November 2023 floods had a serious and prolonged impact on the volunteer-run railway, which was crowned Northern Ireland Social Enterprise of the Year in 2024.
The site was underwater for seven days, affecting buildings, track, signalling systems, and rolling stock. Although DCDR was able to partially reopen in time for Halloween 2024, full service and infrastructure recovery remains ongoing. The total cost of repairs is now estimated between £2.3 million and £3 million.
See the Flood Report here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-06/downpatrick-fas-feasibility-report.pdf
“We welcome the fact that Option N avoids placing demountable barriers across our tracks, which was one of the alternatives considered, but would have raised significant questions about deployment and management for a volunteer-run railway,” said Mr Gardiner.
“However, it is clear from the report’s modelling that our Inch Abbey station would be at increased risk of flooding under the proposed scheme.”
As a result, the heritage railway has requested the opportunity to contribute to the next stage of the evaluation process, to explore whether these downstream effects can be mitigated, potentially through the use of a flap gate on the watercourse beneath the causeway to Inch Abbey.
The railway also expressed disappointment that dredging around the Quoile railway bridge has been ruled out.
Mr Gardiner added: “Although Option C was dismissed on the grounds of limited flood reduction benefit, the significant silt build-up presents ongoing issues for both asset inspection and the physical appearance of the river.
DCDR continues to advocate for targeted dredging at this critical structure from a safety management perspective.”
During Minister Liz Kimmins’ recent visit to the railway, DCDR expressed its desire to be recognised as a key stakeholder during the upcoming six-month evaluation period, particularly where proposed works, such as the rising main, may intersect with railway property.
DCDR will continue to work in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure to help deliver a flood scheme that safeguards the whole town and serves the wider community for the long term, and hopes that the recommendations are implemented sooner rather than later.
See the Flood Report here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-06/downpatrick-fas-feasibility-report.pdf
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