Aontú an Dúin

26/07/2026

Aontú extend sincere condolences to Gerry Kelly’s wife, family, friends and former colleagues at this difficult time.

For generations, Gerry Kelly was a familiar and trusted local face on our television screens. Through his work, he brought warmth, professionalism and genuine curiosity to every interview, becoming one of our most respected broadcasters.

Gerry Kelly’s contribution to local broadcasting and to public life will be remembered by many in the Downpatrick area, and his legacy will live on through the countless conversations and stories he shared over a remarkable career.

20/07/2026

🅿️ Parking shouldn’t be putting people off visiting Downpatrick.

Aontú has heard from local people who are frustrated by the new parking arrangements behind the Grove Shopping Centre.

The introduction of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) enforcement has lead to concerns regarding 24-hour charging, penalty notices, and the impact on shoppers and traders. At a time when our town centre needs support, we should be making it easier—not harder—for people to visit.

Aontú is listening. 💬 If you are affected by this issue, please get in touch with us.

Join Aontú today:

🛜 https://aontu.ie/

15/07/2026

🏥 People in Downpatrick deserve timely access to healthcare.

Downpatrick people are telling Aontú they are struggling to secure GP appointments, waiting far too long for hospital treatment, and finding it increasingly difficult to access mental health support when they need it most. There are also ongoing concerns about pressure on the Downe Hospital and the time it can take for ambulance services to reach rural patients in urgent need.

These are not isolated issues—they are affecting individuals, families and carers across Downpatrick and the wider South Down area. Our healthcare professionals continue to work tirelessly under immense pressure, and they deserve our thanks and support. However, they cannot be expected to meet rising demand without adequate staffing, investment and long-term planning.

Aontú believes that every person should have access to safe, timely and high-quality healthcare, regardless of where they live. Local communities should not feel that they are being left behind when it comes to essential health services.

Aontú will continue to raise these concerns and press for practical action to improve access to GP services, reduce waiting lists, strengthen the future of the Downe Hospital, improve mental health provision and ensure ambulance services have the resources they need.

Aontú is listening. 💬 If you are affected by any issues in South Down, please get in touch with us. 📲

Join Aontú today:

🛜 https://aontu.ie/

10/07/2026

🌊 Water you doing?

Aontú welcome BBC news reports that Tyrella Beach is now home to the North’s first CoastSnap monitoring site, giving local people and visitors the opportunity to play a direct role in protecting our coastline.

Using nothing more than a smartphone, beachgoers can take a photograph from a fixed viewing point and upload it to the CoastSnap website. Over time, these images will help scientists build a valuable record of how Tyrella’s coastline changes through the seasons and in response to coastal erosion, rising sea levels and changing weather patterns.

Tyrella was selected because of the outstanding work already carried out by local volunteers to restore and protect its sand dunes through planting marram grass, installing fencing and improving awareness of this important natural habitat. Their commitment has helped make the beach an ideal location for this project.

Aontú welcome this development as a simple but worthwhile way for everyone to contribute to scientific research while helping safeguard one of South Down’s most treasured natural assets for future generations.

Aontú is listening. 💬 If you are affected by this issue, please get in touch with us.

Join Aontú today:

🛜 https://aontu.ie/

05/07/2026

🏆 Well done to the U14 Loughinisland team on becoming County League Champions! This is a tremendous reward for the hard work, dedication and commitment shown throughout the season.

Success like this doesn't happen by chance. It reflects the countless hours put in by the players, the guidance of the management team, and the unwavering support of parents, families and volunteers who make Gaelic Games possible. Loughinisland GAC deserves to be immensely proud.

Aontú in South Down wish the club every success as they continue their sporting journey and continue to be excellent ambassadors for South Down. 🏆🔵⚪

30/06/2026

Run-down and derelict buildings are a blight on too many towns and villages across South Down. They can damage local pride, create safety risks, and discourage investment.

The Assembly Dilapidation Bill has the potential to provide councils with stronger powers to tackle derelict and dangerous buildings, but legislation alone will not regenerate our communities. Aontú wants to see effective enforcement, adequate resources and a commitment to bringing neglected sites back into productive use. Such action is essential if this legislation is to make a real difference.

Aontú is listening. 💬 If you are affected by this issue, please get in touch with us.

Join Aontú today:

🛜 https://aontu.ie/

30/06/2026

🏘️ HOUSING AFFORDABILITY MUST BE TACKLED IN NEWCASTLE

Across the Mournes, housing demand continues to outstrip supply. Rising house prices and rents are making it increasingly difficult for young people and local families to remain in the Newcastle area. There are ongoing concerns about second homes, holiday accommodation, and the availability of affordable housing.

Families, young people and first-time buyers across Newcastle are facing increasing challenges when it comes to finding an affordable home.

Aontú believes housing policy should focus on:

✅ Increasing the supply of genuinely affordable homes.
✅ Delivering more social and affordable housing where there is need.
✅ Ensuring infrastructure, schools, healthcare and roads keep pace with new developments.
✅ Supporting first-time buyers who are increasingly being priced out of their local communities.

A home is not a luxury - it is a civil right!

Aontú is listening. 💬 If you are affected by this issue, please get in touch with us.

Join Aontú today:

🛜 https://aontu.ie/

29/06/2026

Traffic Congestion remains a key issue on the doorsteps of Ballynahinch 🚦

For decades, the Stormont parties have been discussing a Ballynahinch Bypass. Over a year ago in March 2025, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced that the long-awaited A24 Ballynahinch Bypass would proceed to the business case and procurement stage. The Department specifically cited traffic congestion, road safety concerns and journey-time delays through the town centre as reasons for the scheme.

Aontú share the frustration of local residents at delays in dealing with the issue of traffic congestion in Ballynahinch.

Aontú is listening. 💬 If you are affected by this issue, please get in touch with us.

Join Aontú today:

🛜 https://aontu.ie/

29/06/2026

Like many people across South Down, Aontú are deeply saddened at news reports of the major fire at the former Convent of Mercy building in Downpatrick this evening.

This derelict historic building on Saint Patrick’s Avenue has long been a familiar landmark in our town, and many residents will have strong memories and connections to the site. Emergency services responded to the incident, with firefighters working to bring the blaze under control while police advised the public to avoid the area for safety reasons.



Join Aontú today:

🛜 https://aontu.ie/

27/06/2026