Down District is set to receive £7 million worth of additional investment to make improvements to the area's renowned St Patrick Christian Heritage Trail.

As part of the project Down District Council has been asked to contribute up to £200,000 towards the cost, which will include improvements to Saul Church, Slieve Patrick, the Saint Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, the Down County Museum, Saint Patrick's Grace, the Down Arts Centre, the Downpatrick and Ardglass Railway and Downpatrick Cultural Development Plan.

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The planned improvements will include rebuilding the current hall at Saul Church (£400,000), directional signage at Slieve Patrick and improvement to hilltop access (£178,050), an extension to the museum, which will include the re-housing of the High Cross and a tea room (£595,606), improved access and interpretation to Saint Patrick's Grave (£67,750), and the construction of a viewing gallery at the railway (£728,250).

(BMcC/GK)