Alliance Newry Mourne and Down District Councillor Patrick Brown has commended the important work being done by a team of dedicated volunteers at the old Downpatrick Railway.
The Downpatrick & County Down Railway (DCDR) project was set up in 1985 with the aim of restoring a portion of the former Belfast and County Down Railway as a working railway museum. The project is the only one of its kind in Ireland. During his visit, Cllr Brown had the chance to dig out part of the old track and lay new concrete sleepers as part of a restoration of the old wooden sleepers.
Speaking afterwards, Cllr. Brown said: “There is tremendous tourism potential in the railway museum at Downpatrick. The site of the museum is nestled in picturesque countryside in the shadow of Downpatrick Cathedral.
“An added bonus of the project is that what was nothing but waste ground is now being redeveloped into a public amenity, removing an eyesore from the town.
“It’s really admirable what these volunteers are doing, giving up their Saturday afternoons to develop our shared heritage. I do hope more people will use the railway when it’s open and local authorities can support it when possible”.
