04/09/2026
Minister Welcomes New Access Link In Downpatrick Town Centre
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the completion of a new access route linking St Patrick's Avenue with Dunleath Park in Downpatrick, providing a more convenient connection between the town centre and the park.
The scheme, delivered in partnership by the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, opens up easier access to the park's walking path and recreational facilities, including playing fields, a pump track and a skate bowl. The Department contributed £54,000 and the Council provided £6,000 towards the project.
Located off St Patrick's Avenue, the new 1.2 metre-high entrance incorporates steps alongside a concrete ramp with a pedestrian guardrail, improving accessibility and strengthening the physical link between the sports facilities and the town centre.
Welcoming the development, Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased that my Department has supported this improvement. Dunleath Park is a fantastic asset for the whole local community, and the addition of the new pump track and skate bowl has made it a popular destination for urban sports. This new ramp and stepped access make it much easier for everyone to reach the park directly from the town centre, while supporting local regeneration."
Mal McGrady, Chair of the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group, said: "The new access is a welcome addition that builds on Downpatrick's ongoing regeneration. By creating a direct and accessible link between the town centre and the park, we hope to increase footfall, support local businesses, and encourage active, healthy lifestyles for residents and visitors alike."
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Glyn Hanna, added: "Council is pleased to have delivered this enhancement alongside our partners. The pump track, skate bowl and pitches are incredibly well-used. This accessible entrance ensures the park continues to serve the whole community effectively, making it easier for everyone to move between St Patrick's Avenue and the sports facilities."
The project forms part of a wider programme led by DfC, NMDDC and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to stimulate economic activity and create a more connected, accessible town centre.
The scheme, delivered in partnership by the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, opens up easier access to the park's walking path and recreational facilities, including playing fields, a pump track and a skate bowl. The Department contributed £54,000 and the Council provided £6,000 towards the project.
Located off St Patrick's Avenue, the new 1.2 metre-high entrance incorporates steps alongside a concrete ramp with a pedestrian guardrail, improving accessibility and strengthening the physical link between the sports facilities and the town centre.
Mal McGrady, Chair of the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group, said: "The new access is a welcome addition that builds on Downpatrick's ongoing regeneration. By creating a direct and accessible link between the town centre and the park, we hope to increase footfall, support local businesses, and encourage active, healthy lifestyles for residents and visitors alike."
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Glyn Hanna, added: "Council is pleased to have delivered this enhancement alongside our partners. The pump track, skate bowl and pitches are incredibly well-used. This accessible entrance ensures the park continues to serve the whole community effectively, making it easier for everyone to move between St Patrick's Avenue and the sports facilities."
The project forms part of a wider programme led by DfC, NMDDC and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to stimulate economic activity and create a more connected, accessible town centre.
Latest Northern Ireland News
04 September 2026
Newry Regeneration Accelerates As Landmark Projects Enter Delivery
Newry is entering a major new phase of renewal as public and private investment gathers pace and several long-anticipated schemes move decisively into delivery. Planning permission has been granted for Newry City Park, a key step for the transformational project.
Newry Regeneration Accelerates As Landmark Projects Enter Delivery
Newry is entering a major new phase of renewal as public and private investment gathers pace and several long-anticipated schemes move decisively into delivery. Planning permission has been granted for Newry City Park, a key step for the transformational project.
04 September 2026
firmus Energy Announces 8.98% Tariff Rise In Ten Towns And 12.5% In Greater Belfast
firmus energy has confirmed an 8.98% increase to its regulated gas tariff for domestic and small business customers on the Ten Towns network, effective from 1 October 2026.
firmus Energy Announces 8.98% Tariff Rise In Ten Towns And 12.5% In Greater Belfast
firmus energy has confirmed an 8.98% increase to its regulated gas tariff for domestic and small business customers on the Ten Towns network, effective from 1 October 2026.
04 September 2026
Burrows Urges Givan To Act As Unions Back Industrial Action Over Teacher Workloads
Ulster Unionist Party leader and Education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA has urged the minister to make tackling teacher workload a priority, warning that the pressures facing staff are unsustainable and require immediate action. Jon Burrows MLA said: "The ballot result should come as no surprise.
Burrows Urges Givan To Act As Unions Back Industrial Action Over Teacher Workloads
Ulster Unionist Party leader and Education spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA has urged the minister to make tackling teacher workload a priority, warning that the pressures facing staff are unsustainable and require immediate action. Jon Burrows MLA said: "The ballot result should come as no surprise.
04 September 2026
Lurgan Man Jailed For 18 Months Over Terrorism-Related Offences
A County Armagh man has been sentenced at Laganside Crown Court for terrorism-related offences.
Lurgan Man Jailed For 18 Months Over Terrorism-Related Offences
A County Armagh man has been sentenced at Laganside Crown Court for terrorism-related offences.
04 September 2026
Renewables Reach Half Of NI's Power Demand In Year To June 2026
The Department for the Economy has published its 'Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland: Year ending June 2026' statistics, which support monitoring of the Energy Strategy 'Path to Net Zero Energy' and the Climate Change Act target to "ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption is from renewable sources by 20
Renewables Reach Half Of NI's Power Demand In Year To June 2026
The Department for the Economy has published its 'Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland: Year ending June 2026' statistics, which support monitoring of the Energy Strategy 'Path to Net Zero Energy' and the Climate Change Act target to "ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption is from renewable sources by 20
04 September 2026
CMA Wins Payouts For Heating Oil Customers After Order Cancellations
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has secured compensation for heating oil customers whose orders were cancelled when prices spiked earlier this year, amid market turbulence linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
CMA Wins Payouts For Heating Oil Customers After Order Cancellations
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has secured compensation for heating oil customers whose orders were cancelled when prices spiked earlier this year, amid market turbulence linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
04 September 2026
Creating Moving Artwork from Digital Illustrations
A digital illustration can hold an incredible amount of detail, careful shading, atmospheric lighting, a composition built to draw the eye exactly where the artist wants it. But no matter how much craft goes into it, it's still a single frozen frame competing for attention in feeds full of moving content.
Creating Moving Artwork from Digital Illustrations
A digital illustration can hold an incredible amount of detail, careful shading, atmospheric lighting, a composition built to draw the eye exactly where the artist wants it. But no matter how much craft goes into it, it's still a single frozen frame competing for attention in feeds full of moving content.
04 September 2026
Minister Welcomes New Access Link In Downpatrick Town Centre
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the completion of a new access route linking St Patrick's Avenue with Dunleath Park in Downpatrick, providing a more convenient connection between the town centre and the park.
Minister Welcomes New Access Link In Downpatrick Town Centre
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the completion of a new access route linking St Patrick's Avenue with Dunleath Park in Downpatrick, providing a more convenient connection between the town centre and the park.
03 September 2026
PSNI Relaunches Video Warning Of Consequences Of Interface Disorder
Police in South and West Belfast have unveiled an updated video highlighting the risks of becoming involved in disorder at interface areas, following persistent reports of anti-social behaviour around the Broadway roundabout. The multi-agency production, made with the support of St.
PSNI Relaunches Video Warning Of Consequences Of Interface Disorder
Police in South and West Belfast have unveiled an updated video highlighting the risks of becoming involved in disorder at interface areas, following persistent reports of anti-social behaviour around the Broadway roundabout. The multi-agency production, made with the support of St.
03 September 2026
Northern Ireland Peace Index Finds Violence Down As Deeper Foundations Stall
Queen's researchers, working with IEP and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), have published the first Northern Ireland Peace Index (NIPI), tracking both Negative Peace (the absence of violence and fear of violence) and Positive Peace (the attitudes, institutions and structures that sustain peaceful societies) across the elev
Northern Ireland Peace Index Finds Violence Down As Deeper Foundations Stall
Queen's researchers, working with IEP and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), have published the first Northern Ireland Peace Index (NIPI), tracking both Negative Peace (the absence of violence and fear of violence) and Positive Peace (the attitudes, institutions and structures that sustain peaceful societies) across the elev
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Sunny intervals and showers, the showers quite heavy - and quite frequent for a time in the morning - but passing through quickly. Fresh to strong westerly winds. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Clear spells and scattered showers in the evening, these showers becoming light and more isolated overnight. Fresh westerly winds at first will ease through the night. Minimum temperature 10 °C.