Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will start a package of upgrades at Newcastle’s Donard Park in early November 2026.

The scheme includes automated barriers and bollards, the installation of 13 streetlights, new and upgraded fencing, improvements to pathways, and works at the main entrance and traffic island, alongside associated electrical, surfacing and landscaping elements.

Activity will take place across the park, but both the park and the main car park will remain open. Minor, short-term disruption is expected around the arched entrance on Bryansford Road. From early December, parts of the overflow car park will be closed, with temporary traffic management in place at the main entrance and traffic island.

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Visitors are asked to take care during the works and to follow temporary signage and traffic management arrangements. The programme is scheduled to be completed by Tuesday, 15 December.

The Council has engaged with residents, elected representatives, the PSNI and local business owners to shape the plans, focusing on access, safety, infrastructure and the overall visitor experience.

The new automated barriers are intended to help manage vehicle access to the park while ensuring residents can continue to reach their homes via the main car park. The works do not involve the introduction of parking charges.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said: "These improvements are a welcome investment in Donard Park and will benefit residents, businesses and visitors. The programme is designed to improve the safety, infrastructure and overall visitor experience at Donard Park, while supporting the effective management of the site.

"The improvements have been informed by engagement with residents, elected representatives, the PSNI and local businesses and demonstrate our commitment to the ongoing improvement of one of our most valued community assets."