LA07/2026/0227/F

Description

Upgrade the existing Public Right of Way (PRoW) natural trail surface with a new compacted gravel surface to improve the accessibility and sustainability of the trail for walking and occasional equestrian activity locally. The Programme for Government (PfG) Outdoor Recreation Indicator measures the percentage of households in Northern Ireland that have accessible natural space within 400 meters of their home, reflecting the importance of access to nature for health, wellbeing, community resilience and the environment. Whilst the existing PRoW provides a natural space within 400m of 96 households, it is inaccessible for most of the year due to wet and muddy surface conditions. The proposed works aim to make this trail accessible for most of the year by installing 1.7km of new compacted gravel trail as well as supporting trail infrastructure. This includes 1 new visitor counter to record and monitor use, replacement of 1 finger post and 2 waymarkers to aid navigation, and replacement of 5 wooden gates suitable for pedestrian and equestrian users.

Council Website

Address

The site is a linear stretch of existing Public Right of Way with the following start and finish points. Start: Ballyalton, Ballyhornan Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6RJ Finish: Ballystokes, Mearne Road, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7HZ

Postcode

BT30 6RJ

Coordinates

54.326942560679292, -5.663907214936487

Source: Application Form