SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith has welcomed a commitment from the Department for Infrastructure to amend railings at Lynn Doyle Place in Downpatrick, after a new set of steps in the public realm scheme left residents “baffled”.
Cllr Galbraith explained that the improvements at Lynn Doyle Place are being delivered by the Department for Communities. He added that it has been “great to see the area finally coming together”, with new surfacing, lighting, and streetscape works enhancing the space for local people.
“However, residents were left scratching their heads when they saw a flight of steps leading directly to a solid metal barrier at the top, with no clear through route for pedestrians,” Cllr Galbraith said. He added that he has been in touch with the Department for Communities about the matter.
“Officials have now confirmed the Department for Infrastructure has agreed to modify the railings to improve pedestrian access and egress at this location. People are really pleased to see long overdue investment at Lynn Doyle Place, but they were rightly confused when they saw what looked like steps to nowhere. It just did not make sense from a pedestrian point of view and did not reflect how people actually move through the space.
“The SDLP raised these concerns with the Department for Communities on behalf of local residents, and I am glad they have listened. The confirmation that DfI will now adjust the railings is a commonsense change that will make it easier and safer for people to get around. As this scheme is completed, it is vital that every element works for the people who live here, not just on paper but in real life on the ground,” the councillor for the Downpatrick DEA added.
