Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the completion of a new access route linking St Patrick's Avenue with Dunleath Park in Downpatrick, providing a more convenient connection between the town centre and the park.

The scheme, delivered in partnership by the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, opens up easier access to the park's walking path and recreational facilities, including playing fields, a pump track and a skate bowl. The Department contributed £54,000 and the Council provided £6,000 towards the project.

Located off St Patrick's Avenue, the new 1.2 metre-high entrance incorporates steps alongside a concrete ramp with a pedestrian guardrail, improving accessibility and strengthening the physical link between the sports facilities and the town centre.

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Welcoming the development, Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased that my Department has supported this improvement. Dunleath Park is a fantastic asset for the whole local community, and the addition of the new pump track and skate bowl has made it a popular destination for urban sports. This new ramp and stepped access make it much easier for everyone to reach the park directly from the town centre, while supporting local regeneration."

Mal McGrady, Chair of the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group, said: "The new access is a welcome addition that builds on Downpatrick's ongoing regeneration. By creating a direct and accessible link between the town centre and the park, we hope to increase footfall, support local businesses, and encourage active, healthy lifestyles for residents and visitors alike."

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Glyn Hanna, added: "Council is pleased to have delivered this enhancement alongside our partners. The pump track, skate bowl and pitches are incredibly well-used. This accessible entrance ensures the park continues to serve the whole community effectively, making it easier for everyone to move between St Patrick's Avenue and the sports facilities."

The project forms part of a wider programme led by DfC, NMDDC and the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group to stimulate economic activity and create a more connected, accessible town centre.