Awards For SERC Built Environment Students

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Awards For SERC Built Environment Students

Edwin & Alan Dunlop Construction Awards presented to SERC Students

Ten students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) have been recognised for their performance on programmes related to the Built Environment vocations.

The Edwin and Alan Dunlop Construction Awards are a celebration of student success supported by Dunlop Group Enterprises Ltd.  

The business founders, brothers Edwin and Alan Dunlop, both studied at the former Bangor Technical College.  The duo maintained strong links with the college – now SERC –  in its many transformations over the years, both through recruiting students and sponsoring awards.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Trevor Breadon, Head of School of Construction & the Built Environment, said: “Nominations were put forward by lecturers and then reviewed by a panel of judges who considered each nominee against a criteria of attendance and effort; performance on course of study; contribution to the course and/or workplace; and personal development and resilience.  

Learner of the Year – Construction Studies. Jennifer Gilchrist (18, from Downpatrick) from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at Downpatrick Campus. Presenting the award is Susan Montgomery of Dunlop Group Enterprises Ltd.
Learner of the Year-Motor Vehicle: Conaire Small (20, from Newcastle) from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light) at Downpatrick Campus.

“The recipients excelled in these areas. I congratulate you all and wish you continued success.”

Stephen Dunlop and Susan Montgomery, both Directors at Dunlop Group Enterprises Ltd said: “We are delighted to support SERC with the Edwin and Alan Dunlop Construction Awards. 

“Our company has a long history with the college, and it is both reassuring and wonderful to hear about the next generation of students and apprentices who are honing their skills and gaining the necessary qualifications that will put them in the best position for careers in the construction industry.  

“Congratulations to all recipients of these Awards. I encourage you to keep learning and wish you every success for your future.”

Learner of the Year – Plumbing: Carl Hughes (28, from Killyleagh) for Plumbing, from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing at Newtownards Campus.
Learner of the Year – Brickwork: Fergal Gilmore (22, from Portaferry) from the Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Bricklaying at Newtownards Campus.

Susan Montgomery and Stephen Dunlop presented Edwin & Alan Dunlop Construction Awards which included £250 gift vouchers to:

Lindsay Faulkner (22, from Bangor) for Fire and Security from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Fire & Security Systems at Newtownards Campus.

Jennifer Gilchrist (18, from Downpatrick) for Construction Studies, from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at Downpatrick Campus.

Conaire Small (20, from Newcastle) for Motor Vehicle, from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Light) at Downpatrick Campus.

Fergal Gilmore (22, from Portaferry) for Brickwork, from the Level 2 Apprenticeship NI in Bricklaying at Newtownards Campus.

David Johnston (21, from Saintfield) for Plastering, from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plastering at Lisburn Campus.

David Magee (20, from Royal Hillsborough) for Joinery, from the  Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Carpentry & Joinery at Lisburn Campus.

Mason Hamilton (19, from Dundonald for Construction Maintenance, from the Level 2 Traineeship in Maintenance Operations (Construction) at Newtownards Campus.

Carl Hughes (28, from Killyleagh) for Plumbing, from theLevel 3 Apprenticeship NI in Plumbing at Newtownards Campus.

James Reilly (20, from Belfast) for Refrigeration from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Refrigeration at Lisburn Campus.

Trevor Breadon accepted the award for Niamh Allen (28, from Ballynahinch) for Electrical Installation from the Level 3 Apprenticeship NI Electrical Installation at Lisburn Campus, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to work commitments.

Applications are now open for full-time and part-time courses at SERC commencing September 2026.

Visit: www.serc.ac.uk

Designing Homes For All Guide Launched

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Designing Homes For All Guide Launched

Health and Communities Ministers launch ‘Designing Homes for All’ guide

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have launched a new housing design guide to support people living with sensory and cognitive impairments.

The joint ‘Designing Homes for All’ guide aims to provide a reference for anyone involved in home design and construction to help improve accessibility and usability for people of all ages and abilities.

Speaking at the launch event, Health Minister Minister Nesbitt says the guide promotes an inclusive approach to the building and adaptation of homes across Northern Ireland.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons launch the ‘Designing Homes For All’ guide.

Health Minister Nesbitt said: “A well-designed living space can be transformative for individuals with cognitive impairments and for their families and carers.

“I am pleased that this guide builds on previous work which focused on accessibility for those with mobility issues and physical impairment.

“The guide recognises the need to design safe and healthy homes for people with a range of cognitive impairments. 

“Personalisation is central to the inclusive design process and involving people with disabilities and their families at an early stage can deliver significant benefits.

“I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact and improved quality of life home adaptations provide, supporting people to live comfortably with dignity and independence for longer.

“This guide shows how effective cross-departmental collaboration can help to achieve better outcomes for those who need our services.”

Also speaking at the launch, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “A well-designed home is more than bricks and mortar.

“It underpins independence, health and wellbeing and makes a vital contribution to quality of life.

“It is integral to supporting and empowering people with cognitive and sensory impairments, allowing them to live with dignity and autonomy for longer.

“As Minister with responsibility for housing, I am focused on ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland has access to a good quality, affordable, secure and sustainable home that meets their needs within a thriving community.

“The launch of the ‘Designing Homes for All’ guide is another important step towards this goal. It also clearly shows what can be achieved when Departments work together with a shared focus on improving people’s lives.”

The guide is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders involved in the development, design and construction of homes, as well as medical professionals and people with disabilities and their families who are considering making changes to their home.

The guide also applies to diverse dwelling types, old and new, offering practical design solutions for creating homes that are easily understood and navigated by people with a range of needs.

‘Designing Homes for All: An inclusive design guide to support people living with cognitive and sensory impairment’ can be accessed at:

www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/allied-health-professions

County Down Students Enjoy Formal At CAFRE

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County Down Students Enjoy Formal At CAFRE

Formal marks end of year for CAFRE equine students

Students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Enniskillen Campus recently gathered at the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen, for their annual Student Formal, to celebrate student life and achievements across the academic year.

The evening brought together learners from all levels of study, from Level 2 to BSc Honours Degree, providing a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections across the campus.

Level 3 Equine students Chloe Killen from Mayo and Neil Brown from Castlewellan looking forward to the formal.

Set against a formal backdrop, students enjoyed an evening that combined socialising, celebration, and reflection, recognising the effort and commitment shown throughout the year. The occasion highlighted the strong sense of community within the campus.

Final-year degree student, Nadia Donnelly, spoke after the event and reflected on how organising the formal for CAFRE students was a great experience from start to finish: “Seeing everything come together and everyone enjoying themselves made it all worthwhile.”

Lily-Anne Keenan from Portavogie ready to attend the CAFRE Enniskillen Campus Formal.

For several students, this year’s formal carried added significance as they approached the end of their time at CAFRE. Final-year students are now preparing to graduate and progress into careers in the equine industry.

Roles will include positions within riding establishments, breeding operations, and equine businesses. In addition, several degree-level students will soon begin industry placements gaining practical experience to support their future careers.

The Student Formal continues to be an important part of the CAFRE experience, offering students the chance to come together outside of their studies, celebrate their journey, and look ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead.

If you are considering a career in the equine industry, for information on the range of courses CAFRE offers, chjeck out:

www.cafre.ac.uk

Long Comments On Belfast Knife Attack

Jim Masson
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Long Comments On Belfast Knife Attack

Justice Minister Long issues statement on North Belfast knife attack

Justice Minister Naomi Long has issued a statement on the overnight knife attack in north Belfast.

She said: “My thoughts are with the victim, his family and friends, and those who witnessed this brutal attack. I’d also like to commend those who bravely intervened, as well as the first responders who attended.

“There is no place in society for horrific attacks like this. I appreciate public concern right now, but I would appeal for calm.

Justice Minister Naomi Long has called on people not to share clips of the violent attack in north Belfast on social media and has appealed for calm.

“This is the time to give the police the space they need to do their job, to investigate this incident fully and ensure justice is done.

“Police have declared this a critical incident and are working at pace to establish the circumstances.

“I am aware that footage of this attack is circulating widely on social media and I appeal to the public not to share images or footage of the incident.

“Not only does this risk traumatising the victim’s loved ones further, it may also impede the police investigation.

“If anyone has information that can assist the investigation, I would urge them to contact the police.”

Down News has seen the video clip of the terrible assault in north Belfast but will not be showing it as it may stir up racist and xenophobic hatred.

Our society has suffered enough over the years and has experienced trauma at many levels. So, I have made an editorial and ethical decision not to display this sort of violence. The legal system will address it.

The Executive Office is making a statement at Parliament Building later this afternoon at 4pm.

£2.6M Commercial Property Grants Launched

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£2.6M Commercial Property Grants Launched

Local Economic Partnership Launches £2.6 Million Revive and Reimagine Commercial Property Grants

Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Local Economic Partnership is delighted to launch two property grant schemes worth a combined £2.6 million, funded through the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund.

The funding includes a £2 million Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant and a £600,000 Property Façade Renewal Scheme.

Both grant schemes will open for applications on Tuesday 16 June 2026 and are designed to support the regeneration of commercial centres across the district.

The Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine grant will support the regeneration of derelict, vacant and underutilised commercial properties in both rural and urban settlements.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell along with members of the Local Economic Partnership, recently launched two property grant schemes worth a combined £2.6 million. (Back Row): Aveen McVeigh, NMDDC; Johnathan Mc Gilly, NMDDC; Tracy Rice, SERC; Alan Knox, Kilkeel Chamber of Commerce; Emma Finney, SERC; Conor Mallon, NMDDC Director of Economy, Regeneration and Tourism; Michelle Craig, Department for Economy; Alistair Quinn, Invest NI; Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID; Amanda Symth, NMDDC Assistant Director of Economy, Growth & Tourism; John Nealon, South Armagh Improvement Group; Sinead Bailie, NMDDC. Front Row: Martin Graham, Tourism NI; Raymond Jackson, Confederation of Community Groups; NMDDC outgoing Chairperson Cllr Philip Campbell; Janine Cowan, NMDDC; Damian Mulholland Department for Communities.

Grants ranging from £50,000 to £200,000 will be available, providing up to 50% public sector funding, matched by a 50% private sector contribution.

Eligible works include structural repairs and refurbishment, conversion works, upper floor reactivation, site clearance and preparation works and improvements required to enable occupation and support the long-term sustainable use of properties.

Applications to the Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant closes on Tuesday 8 September.

The Property Façade Renewal Scheme will provide grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to owners and eligible leaseholders of occupied commercial premises on St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick. St Patrick’s Avenue was selected as the first area for investment through the Property Façade Renewal Scheme following a condition survey undertaken in 2025 as part of the wider Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework.

The scheme offers 50% public sector funding, matched by a 50% private sector contribution to support the sympathetic restoration of shopfronts and, where appropriate, the reintroduction of traditional shopfront features to create a more attractive, cohesive and vibrant commercial streetscape, while respecting the street’s historic character.

Applications for the Property Facade Renewal Scheme will close on Tuesday 11th August 2026.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “This £2.6 million investment, made available through my Department’s Regional Balance Fund, will play an important role in bringing vacant and underused properties back into productive use, creating vibrant, sustainable commercial spaces and driving economic growth across the district.

“Local Economic Partnerships are central to my commitment of improving regional balance, supporting collaborative working and empowering local areas to shape their own economic future.

“It is particularly encouraging to see the delivery of Newry Mourne and Down’s Action Plan and I look forward to the tangible economic benefits this investment will deliver.”

(l-r) Alistair Quinn, Invest NI with Michelle Craig, Department for Economy; Newry Mourne and Down District Council outgoing Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, and Conor Mallon, NMDDC Director of Economy, Regeneration and Tourism at the launch of two property grant schemes worth a combined £2.6 million.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council outgoing Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said: “These grant schemes will help revitalise commercial centres by supporting the reuse of vacant properties, encouraging the development of new businesses and enabling existing enterprises to expand.

“By unlocking the potential of underused buildings and improving the appearance of our town centres, these schemes will help increase economic activity, enhance footfall and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and local businesses across the district.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested and eligible to attend one of the upcoming information sessions to find out more about the opportunities available.”

Information sessions on both schemes and their application process will be held with Council officers representing the Local Economic Partnership, Planning, Building Control and Go Succeed at:

• Down County Museum, Downpatrick – Wednesday 17 June, 2pm to 4pm
• Killeavy Castle Estate, Killeavy – Tuesday 23 June, 12noon to 2pm

Further details on the grant schemes, including criteria, applicant guidance notes and information session details, will be published on the Council’s website from Tuesday 16 June:

https://www.newrymournedown.org/local-economic-partnerships.

Local Economic Partnerships have been established in all 11 council areas as part of the Sub Regional Economic Plan. 

Their primary purpose is to identify local barriers to economic growth, prioritise interventions and develop action plans that enhance regional value, create jobs, increase productivity and support decarbonisation. 

Local Economic Partnerships represent a locally led approach to economic development, ensuring that each council area can tailor strategies to its specific needs.

McGrath Says Health Failure Is Executive’s

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McGrath Says Health Failure Is Executive’s

Doctors should not pay the price for Executive failure says McGrath

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said doctors and patients should not be forced to bear the consequences of the Executive’s failure to properly fund healthcare.

He was speaking following confirmation that hospital doctors in Northern Ireland are planning strike action later this month.

Colin McGrath said the situation was a direct consequence of continued under-investment and political failure to address workforce pressures within the health service.

Colin McGrath SDLP MLA, Opposition Health Spokesperson, says the failures of the health system rest with the Executive not the doctors or patients.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “Nobody wants to see strike action in our health service, least of all the doctors and healthcare staff who have dedicated their lives to caring for others.

“The disruption this will cause for patients is deeply concerning, but we also have to ask why doctors are being put in this position in the first place.

“These are highly trained professionals who are already working under immense pressure in an overstretched system. They are now being told that pay offers below inflation are not even guaranteed to be funded this year. That is simply unacceptable.

“We are already struggling to retain healthcare workers here in Northern Ireland. Younger doctors, in particular, are looking elsewhere for better pay and working conditions, and that should alarm every member of the Executive.

“The reality is that our health service cannot continue to function if staff feel undervalued, demoralised and ignored. Doctors should not be paying the price for the Executive failing to get its budget priorities right.

“There needs to be urgent engagement now to avoid escalation, deliver certainty for healthcare workers and protect patient care. Kicking difficult decisions down the road has brought us to this point, and patients and staff deserve far better.”

Lewis Asks Council For Angling Club Support

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Lewis Asks Council For Angling Club Support

Lewis asks the Council to support Castlewellan & Annsborough Angling Club

Slieve Croob DUP Councillor Alan Lewis has called for Council to provide greater support to Castlewellan & Annsborough Angling Club in tackling littering and anti-social behaviour at Ballylough Lake.

Councillor Lewis said he has been engaging with the Club regarding ongoing concerns at the site, which is regularly used by anglers, walkers, families and visitors.

Cllr Lewis said: “Castlewellan & Annsborough Angling Club does an excellent job maintaining Ballylough Lake and the surrounding area. However, the Club is increasingly being left to deal with litter and waste generated by a growing number of visitors.”

DUP Slieve Croob Councillor Alan Lewis is concerned about littering and anti-social behaviour at Castlewellan and Annsborough Angling Club’s Ballylough lake just outside Castlewellan. He has asked for the Council to provide support for the club.

“While the lake itself is owned by the Club, it is important to recognise that a Public Right of Way and the Mourne Heritage Trail pass through the site.

“These routes are actively promoted and encouraged by Council and attract significant footfall throughout the year.”

Councillor Lewis said it was only reasonable that Council should explore ways of assisting with waste management at the location.

“If Council is encouraging people to use an area through the Heritage Trail and Public Right of Way network, there is a strong argument that it should also help provide the infrastructure needed to keep that area clean and welcoming.”

“The provision and servicing of a litter bin may seem like a small issue, but it could make a significant difference. Voluntary organisations such as Castlewellan & Annsborough Angling Club should not be left carrying the burden alone.”

Councillor Lewis confirmed that he has raised the matter with Council officers and will continue working with the Club in an effort to find a practical solution.

Downpatrick Racecourse Holds Schools’ Day

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Downpatrick Racecourse Holds Schools’ Day

230 primary school children go behind the scenes at HRI Racing Juniors education day at Downpatrick Racecourse

As Downpatrick racecourse gears up for their two-day meeting on Saturday and Sunday 13th and 14th June, 10 local primary schools visited taking part in Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day .

Patrick Turley, Downpatrick horse trainer and breeder, chats to the visiting pupils about his work with horses and racing.

Pupils from Derryboy PS, St. Caolans PS, Killyleagh Integrated PS, St. Joesph’s PS Carnacaville, St Brigid’s PS Downpatrick, St Patrick’s Legamaddy, Cumran PS Clough, St Mary’s PS Killyleagh, Holy Family PS and St. Joseph’s PS Killough took part in the special event on Wednesday 3rd June.

230 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Downpatrick and meet racehorse trainer Paddy Turley, whose training yard is based at the racecourse, along with one of his racehorses.

Paddy explained what his job entails as a racehorse trainer as well as a typical day-to-day routine for his racehorses, their exercise schedule and diet, and how he prepares them to run in a race.

Head Groundsman Fintan Ward along with his team of Gerard Boyle and Alan Livingstone explained how the team prepare the track for a race meeting and all the equipment required to maintain the racing surface.

School pupils gather round to listen to Head Groundsman Fintan Ward of the ground maintenance team. Included are ground staff Gerard Boyle and Alan Livingstone with Noel Chance, former jockey and trainer, second right, Chairman of the Board at the Downpatrick Racecourse.

In addition, The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Enniskillen, were on hand to give children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator and farrier Eamon McCann explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.

Lily Ross of Cumran PS tests out the simulator horse at the CAFRE stand with Caoimhe Hegarty, CAFRE Recruitment and Schools’ Engagement Officer.

Former trainer and Downpatrick Racecourse Director Noel Chance along with Racecourse Manager Ruth Morrison brought the children into the Weigh Room to show them the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.

The children also got the opportunity to try on racing silks and learn about a jockey’s raceday routine.

Noel Chance, retired jockey and trainer, and Chairman of the Downpatrick Racecourse board of directors, with Ruth Morrison, Downpatrick Racecourse manager in the Jockeys’ Room pictured with pupils from St Patrick’s PS, Legamaddy who are checking out the jockeys’ boots, helmets, protective gear and vests.
Ruth Morrison, Downpatrick Racecourse manager in the Jockeys’ Room and Noel Chance, retired jockey and trainer, and Chairman of the Downpatrick Racecourse board of directors, with interested future jockeys Fiadh, Zara, Rosa, Alesha and Kayla.

Ruth Morrison, General Manager Downpatrick Racecourse, said: “It was fantastic to welcome students from local schools to Downpatrick Racecourse for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing.

“They particularly enjoyed meeting a real racehorse from Patrick Turley’s stable in Downpatrick and experiencing the racehorse simulator from CAFRE.

Pupils from St Caolan’s PS pupils enjoying their visit to Downpatrick racecourse.

“The day was a great success, and we look forward to creating more opportunities like this to introduce young people to the sport.”

The objective of the HRI Racing Juniors education days is to encourage an affinity with racehorses among the younger generation and demonstrate the variety of careers available in the racing and breeding industry across Ireland.

Pupils run uphill on the last furlong on the race track and appreciate how fast a racehorse really is.

Newcastle And Kilkeel RNLI Rescue Two Sailors

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Newcastle And Kilkeel RNLI Rescue Two Sailors

Newcastle and Kilkeel RNLI rescue two sailors in difficulty on separate yachts near St John’s Point 

Newcastle and Kilkeel RNLI came to the aid of two sailors who got into difficulty on their respective yachts late on Friday night.

Just before midnight on Friday (5th June), Newcastle RNLI was requested by Belfast Coastguard to assess the situation.

A lone sailor had reported that his yacht had run aground and was taking on water on the western side of St John’s Point Lighthouse in Dundrum Bay.

Due to the location and weather conditions, Kilkeel RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat which had just gone on service earlier in the evening, was requested to launch. 

Newcastle RNLI launched their Atlantic 85 class lifeboat helmed by Locky Leneghan and with crew members Caoimhe Conor, Brendan Rooney and Declan Barry onboard, at 12.13am and made best speed towards the sailor’s last known position.

Once on scene, the search proved to be challenging with the darkness of the night, a strong south to southeasterly wind and 1-1.5m swell.

Double drama off St John’s Point: the Newcastle and Kilkeel RNLI took part in two separate simultaneous rescues just off St John’s Point.

During this time, Belfast Coastguard reported that they had received a second 999 call from another sailor in the vicinity who was disorientated and unable to make way under their own power but was in a safe position.

With this information, Belfast Coastguard asked both lifeboat crews to continue searching for the first reported casualty who had now activated a PLB (personal locator beacon) and was plotted by GPS 1.5 nautical miles further west of their last known position.

Newcastle RNLI’s crew located the yacht drifting in shallow water towards rocks on Minerstown beach. A risk assessment was carried out, and the helm decided the safest decision was to evacuate the casualty and transfer them onto the lifeboat.

Once the casualty was safely onboard, casualty care was administrated as the crew made their way back to the lifeboat station.

The sailor was cold and exhausted and subsequently handed into the care of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and taken to hospital for overnight observation.

Meanwhile, Kilkeel RNLI’s new Shannon under Coxswain Gerald Sharkey, was diverted to locate the second sailor which they did a short distance offshore.

The crew observed the lone sailor to be exhausted and disorientated while the yacht was at risk of being blown into the shore by the poor weather conditions including a strong south-easterly wind. 

The crew assessed the situation, and a decision was made that the safest course of action was to transfer a crew member on to the yacht and establish a tow to bring the vessel and the sailor onboard, to Kilkeel Harbour.

This task that proved challenging in the conditions the crew were faced with. The sailor, yacht and lifeboat crew were safely back in Kilkeel at 5am.

Newcastle and Kilkeel Coastguard teams assisted with the casualties both at Newcastle Lifeboat Station and Kilkeel Harbour. 

Speaking following the call out, Gerald Sharkey, Kilkeel RNLI’s Coxswain Afloat Mechanic said: ‘We want to wish both sailors well following their ordeal on Friday night, into the early hours of Saturday morning.

“|I also want to commend both lifeboat crews for a job well done in difficult conditions.

“For this to be the first call out on the Shannon which only hours earlier had officially gone on service, the crew at Kilkeel RNLI deserve great credit for how they managed and navigated the challenges they were presented with, particularly in the hours of darkness.

“This was a tough shout given the weather conditions, the fact that the yacht was so close to shore and that the casualty was tired and disorientated.

“The crew used their training and put their skills into action and did a fantastic job.”

DfI Launches Strangford Ferry Questionaire

Jim Masson
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DfI Launches Strangford Ferry Questionaire

Department launches Strangford Lough Ferry Service Customer Engagement exercise

The Department for Infrastructure has launched a Strangford Lough Ferry Service Customer Engagement Questionnaire.

Members of the public are being invited to complete the questionnaire and share their views and experiences of the service.

The responses will help determine whether changes to the service should be explored further.

The DfI is to run a consultation on the Strangford ferry service. Could this be a prompt for a feasibility study down the line from the Department ? (Photo: Jim Masson/DownNews©).

The questionnaire is available online at:

 consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/strangford-lough-ferry-service-customer-engagement/ 

The consultation will be open for 12 weeks from 8th June 2026 until midnight on Monday 31 August 2026. 

A hard copy can also be requested by contacting Strangford Ferry Terminal during normal office hours or by emailing:

[email protected].

Any decisions on the future of the service would be subject to further assessment and, where appropriate, more formal consultation.

***

Now is the time for people in East Down to press the Department of Infrastructure to proceed with a feasibility study for a bridge across Strangford Lough from Strangford to Portaferry which most politicians and local residents and businesses in the area appear to support.

There is serious parking and traffic problems in both Strangford and Portaferry which need to be addressed.

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