Downpatrick deadlock with local authority

IN early April, the Downpatrick and County Down Railway (DCDR) announced it was not able to reopen to the public and operate its Easter Eggpress at the railway as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council had on March 16 cancelled the Partnership Agreement which allows the railway access to council owned buildings at Downpatrick station.

DCDR Chairman Robert Gardiner said: “Since the mid-1990s the railway has operated under a Partnership Agreement whereby the council owned and maintained the buildings, whilst DCDR operated the services. As such, we are unable to let members of the public into the council owned structures until clarity has been reached. The impact has also meant work on the annual certification of our two steam engines has stalled.”

Mr Gardiner added that the DCDR was actively trying to engage with council officials to try and get a new agreement in place to allow the railway to reopen, but so far to no avail.