The Downpatrick and County Down Railway (DCDR) has received a generous £2,650 donation from Down Cathedral following a highly successful fundraising gala concert held in June.
The cross-community concert drew strong support from the community in aid of the railway’s ongoing Flood Relief Appeal, and as a symbol for the whole Downpatrick community affected by last year’s floods.
In November 2023, the DCDR along with most of Downpatrick town centre was severely impacted by heavy flooding, with rising water levels causing significant damage to its tracks, rolling stock, and heritage infrastructure.
The railway, a charitable volunteer-run social enterprise and important local tourist attraction, faced substantial repair costs, with estimates suggesting a need for upwards of £250,000 to cover restoration and preventive measures against future flooding.
The cheque presentation was made in the railway’s Carriage Gallery, by Dr Judith Harper, along with Brian and Wendy Poxon from Down Cathedral’s board, who have been longstanding supporters of the railway.
Robert Gardiner, Chairman of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Down Cathedral and the community for their solidarity and support.
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone at Down Cathedral, especially Judith Harper, and everyone who contributed to making this concert such a success” he said.
“This generous donation will significantly help with our ongoing efforts to repair the flood damage and protect the railway for future generations. The support we’ve received truly shows how much the railway means to the people of Downpatrick.”
Canon Chancellor of Down Cathedral John Auchmuty added, “This was a very important event in demonstrating to the Downpatrick community that they remain in our thoughts and prayers as they rebuild and look to the future.”
The railway has been working tirelessly to repair the damage caused by the flooding, which not only impacted its physical infrastructure but also disrupted its schedule of heritage train events.
With the continued support of the community and local organisations like Down Cathedral, the volunteers of the railway found the strength to repair the local heritage line to full operation - and was recently given the final sign-off from the Northern Ireland Rail Safety Authority to resume train operations in time for their Halloween “Phantom Flyer”, although more flood repair work will be ongoing in the background.
