The completion of the Killough Ropewalk project that begun in 2004 will take place on Friday 19 September in the coastal village.
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Jim Conlon, Killough Dev Assoc, Cllrs Gareth Sharvin and Dermot Curran, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, Killough artist Kieron Black with his daughter Penny, and Finbar McCormick, Palatine Trust on the ropewalk in Killough.[/caption]
The latest development is the surfacing of the pathway along the Killough Shore from the playing field to the north to Fisherman’s Row in the south. The first phase of the work comprised of the repair of the seawalls and limekiln on the the central part of the pathway. This was organised by the Palatine Trust and formed part of the Killough Townscape Heritage Initiative, and was financed by The Heritage Lottery Fund and Down District Council. The second phase to the north of this was organised by Killough Youth and Community Hall and Groundwork and was again financed the National Lottery.
Dr Finbar McCormick, Palatine Trust member, said: “The present part of the scheme could finally be undertaken this year when Down District Council acquired the land to the back of Quay Lane. Killough Youth and Community Hall again organised the funding which was provided by Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP) and The Palatine Trust. The work was overseen by Down District Council.
“With the completion of the scheme Killough can now boast the longest village shoreline pathway in County Down. Ropewalks were present in most coastal towns and villages in the past and were used for the making of rigging for the sailing ships of the ports. Most have disappeared having been made into roads, or have been built over.
“The ropewalk in Killough was constructed in 1785 and uniquely survives in its original undeveloped state. For generations the people of Killough have been using the ropewalk as a place of leisure, a place for a stroll and push a pram, or a place to walk the dog. The surfacing and landscaping of the Ropewalk over the last ten years will ensure that this can now continue for generations to come.
“Our South Down MP has been extremely helpful in ensuring that the final section of the ropewalk was taken into public ownership thus allowing the scheme to be finished and we are very grateful to her for this help,” Â added Dr McCormick.
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