Issue 236 - East Down BT24 • BT30 • BT31 • BT33
Coffee and Connect Event
The Mournes District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum, supported Kittys Road Community Association to host a Coffee and Connect Event recently.
Pictured at the re-opening of Jane’s Shore upgrade in Downpatrick were l-r: Eileen Cowan (DFI Funder); Gavin Connolly (Breedon Contractors); Cllr Oonagh Hanlon; NMD Council Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Harte; Chris McGinn (Gleeds Consultants); Heather Wilson (Rights Of Way Officer); Cllr Cadogan Enright, Alison Robb (NMDDC Assistant Director of Corporate Services); and Cllr Philip Campbell.
Upgrade of Jane’s Shore Pathway in Downpatrick now Completed
A popular, picturesque pathway stretching 1km along the Quoile River in Downpatrick has now been re-opened to the public following completion of a major upgrade. Jointly backed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council under its Capital Programme fund and COVID Capital Reserves, and the Department for Infrastructure (DFI)’s funding contribution towards greenways, the project targeted the section known locally as ‘Jane’s Shore’. This well used route, which runs from the Belfast
Road layby to Killyleagh Road Bridge along the Quoile River, has been in very poor condition. The funding allowed for the upgrading and widening of the pathway surface, improved disabled access, the replacement of raised decking areas and the installation of new boundary fencing and gates along the entire 1km of path.
Talking at the official reopening of the upgraded pathway, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valarie Harte said, “During the pandemic existing public rights of way and walking trails experienced an increase in use as local communities across the district benefitted from the countryside and recreational facilities.
The Council used this as an opportunity, under its COVID Recovery Initiative, to instigate the maintenance, improvement and biodiversity works of a number of rights of way projects and I am delighted to see the first of these being completed.
Continued on page 4
The event provided a platform for community members to come together and engage in meaningful conversations while creating opportunities for individuals to seek support, share their experiences and forge new friendships. A number of agencies were on hand to provide information about the various services and support which they offer to the community and included Kilkeel Development Association, Clanrye, Bolster, ADHD Newcastle, Hillside Men’s Shed, Newry Street Unite, Kingdom Men’s Shed, Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP), Community Advice, Volunteer
Now, First Responders, Children’s Cancer Fund, Kingdom Youth Club and P.I.P.S Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Valerie Harte said, “Events such as these provide significant benefits for community members. They are an opportunity for residents to come together to enjoy the companionship of others, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity. “It is heartening to see partnership working from various agencies delivering such enjoyable events which improve not only mental but physical health outcomes for our residents.”