Write a commentA Downpatrick centre claimed as the “World’s only permanent” St Patrick’s exhibition could be set for a major boost to be Ireland’s 5 Star attraction for the patron Saint.
New Stormont funds are now being targeted as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is urged to fulfil recommendations from a 2019 consultation to revitalise the St Patrick's Centre in the town.
Patrick Centre.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Downpatrick councillor Oonagh Hanlon said: “The Tim Husband report was commissioned by the council at the time and it seems that due to Covid it may have been shelved due to the whole pandemic situation.
“The report as I understand it has identified ways to update the St Patrick’s Centre in the town as a 5 Star attraction for the whole of Ireland, something that we should be driving forward with Downpatrick having unique links to the Saint.”
Downpatrick is considered to be the final resting place of St Patrick, who is said to be buried at Down Cathedral in the 5th century with town gaining its name from its connection to the Saint.
The Downpatrick Centre currently boasts the the talents of Hollywood star Ciaran Hinds as the voice of St Patrick at its latest exhibit.
On its website, the St Patrick’s Centre describes itself as “the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint”.
In chambers, bringing forward a motion, Councillor Hanlon said: “This council recognises the significant contribution St Patrick’s Centre Downpatrick has made to tourism and heritage.
“As Ireland’s only exhibition centre dedicated to the life and legacy of our patron Saint we must recognise the significant role it plays in promoting our patron Saint.
“This council will pledge cross party support for the centre and a review is initiated based on the Tim Husband report presented to council in Oct 2019.
“We will write to the Department for Communities and the Department for the Economy seeking support for the centre.
The LDRS understands that Husband report commissioned by the council has been backed by the board of the Downpatrick Centre, with investment seen as a “critical factor” in the future of the hub.
Council chairperson Philip Campbell sent the motion to the strategy, policy and resources committee for further debate.
