Speaking after attending the launch of the Downpatrick Masterplan by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie the MP for the area Eddie McGrady said;

 “I very much welcome the process of developing a Masterplan for Downpatrick, which will focus on the current and future needs of Downpatrick as we continue to grow as a centre for, trade, consumers, tourism, health, education and local government.

 Downpatrick currently offers a variety of services to the public and employment opportunities. As we move forward we must look at how Downpatrick needs to adapt its roads, town layout and planning to assist its future growth and maintain its position as a leading Market Town and centre for development.

 I would urge every resident to look at this plan and think of how best their needs and the needs of their children can be meet through future changes in the roads, town planning and tourism provisions of Downpatrick.

 It is important that the end product of this Masterplan consultation is a plan that meets the needs of the community, and a plan that all Government Departments can have confidence in pursuing, in the knowledge that it sets out the best way forward for Downpatrick, its residents and the wider community of Down.