We met with Dr Mark Hammond of NIEA, Patrick Brown MLA, Councillor Cadogan Enright and other stakeholders to discuss the reopening of the Quoile Countryside Centre in Downpatrick.

The stone-walled building beside Quoile Castle is managed by NIEA and has been closed for a number of years due to resource issues.

This fantastic asset, which many of us will remember from our own school days has so much potential for the next generation. And if done sensitively and sustainably, it can be a real boon for the area, similar to Castle Espie or Ballintoy. We discussed what can be done to maximise the potential of the centre; and the various uses it could have, if reopened:

• an information centre for families starting a day out
• a refreshment stop for walkers looking for a coffee
• an educational hub for schools and community groups to learn about the history and biodiversity of the Quoile area
• a pitstop for anglers who’ve forgotten hooks or bait for a day’s fishing

We are pleased that NIEA have committed to going away and looking at ways in which this could be explored,  and we look forward to developing these plans with other stakeholders as part of our #cleanthequoile campaign.

Picture caption: Stephen O’Hare, Clean the Quoile; Councillor Cadogan Enright; Anthea McAuley, Clean the Quoile; Patrick Brown MLA and Dr Mark Hammond, NIEA

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