Clarke welcomes boost for tourism walking routes

Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has hailed the start of works on the Mourne Coastal and Down Walking Routes, Dundrum, as ‘a major tourism boost’ for the area.

The £270,000 contract, announced in the Council monthly report for capital works, is due to be completed by the end of April this year and will provide a walking route, play area and signage in Dundrum Village.

The project is jointly funded by Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP) and Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) for Down District Council.

Speaking after the Building Control and Estates committee meeting at Down District Council offices on Wednesday, which Councillor Patrick Clarke sits on, he said: “I welcome the commence of works in Dundrum which will comprise the creation of a new pathway running adjacent to the Dundrum GAC pitch linking the Main Street Car Park with the National Trust Cottages and Coastal Pathway to the north.

“The £270,000 tourism investment will include the provision of finger post signage at various locations around Dundrum Village to accommodate walking routes and the creation of a new pathway linking Dundrum Inner Bay car park to Newcastle Road along the former Railway Corridor including the provision of a new pedestrian bridge.

“There will also be the creation of a new infant play area within the existing Dundrum Inner Bay tourism site, works will include: paths, drainage, fencing, minor tree works, installation of play equipment, safety surfacing, associated signage and street furniture.”

“The works will also include an extension to the existing A2 Dundrum Road footpath linking the walking route to Dundrum Village.

“The upgrade and provision of a walking route play area and signage in Dundrum village will help further promote Dundrum as a tourist destination and walking centre, with improved facilities and signage for walkers and tourists and help attract tourists to stay longer in the village.

“This is great news for Dundrum village as the Village Plan for Dundrum 2012-2016 had identified this as one of the key priorities to developing the local economy improvement to the walkways and signage in Dundrum village.”

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