Newry, Mourne and Down District Council makes U-turn on support for Down centre of excellence

The council made the decision behind closed doors on Monday night (April 8) just as a previous committee proposal to refuse to support a PeacePlus funding application was about to be ratified at full council.

The local authority’s enterprise, regeneration and tourism (ERT) committee had rejected the County Board’s application for NMDDC support in March, due to direct competition with the council’s plans for a wellbeing hub in Warrenpoint.

However, Sinn Fein councillor, Mickey Ruane who proposed the refusal decision at ERT, called for an amendment in Downshire civic centre on Monday, causing the council to discuss the matter in confidential session.

In open session, council chairperson, Valerie Harte (Sinn Fein) said: “Following a vote it was agreed to amend the proposal from ERT (Down GAA support for PeacePlus application) and to sign as an associate partner.”

The chamber voted, in confidential session, 29 for and six against the new amendment.

Down GAA has planned to develop the former British army barracks at Ballykinlar in to a centre of excellence with a museum on shared community history. Plans were approved for the site in 2021 with a five year deadline for construction to begin.

NMDDC plans to develop a new two-storey community hub building at Clonallon Park.

A planning application was submitted to NMDDC in July 2023. It is expected the new facility will require an investment of £7.1m and will be delivered by December 2025.