The principal rail systems contractor for the Belfast Grand Central Station project, Translink and Babcock, has donated a substantial amount of timber sleepers to The Downpatrick and County Down Railway (DCDR).

This valuable contribution will aid the DCDR in its continuous work to preserve and improve its historic railway infrastructure, particularly as it recovers from the November 2023 floods.

Work on the repairs has been extensive, which warranted a visit from Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to see how progress was being made, which provided a boost to the railway.

The donated railway sleepers were once part of the tracks that formed the approaches into the old Great Victoria Street station at Central Junction, which closed in May 2024.

They are being replaced with new materials for the upcoming Belfast Grand Central Station. This new hub will take over the functions of the Europa and Great Victoria Street bus and rail stations.

“We are immensely grateful to Translink and Babcock for their generous donation of these timber sleepers, as it ensures we can continue to renew our infrastructure and operate our heritage railway for the enjoyment and education of future generations. The fact that these sleepers come from Belfast Great Victoria Street station and are being recycled further underscores the positive environmental impact of this donation.

The donated sleepers will be used in the coming months and years to replace aging track components, and Translink and Babcock’s generosity not only helps us maintain our railway but also sees materials saved for reuse instead of going for scrap. By recycling these timbers and gifting them to a charity, Babcock is not only aiding the DCDR but also promoting environmentally friendly practices, as well as sustainability and community support.”

We also want to express our gratitude to AMC Training and Consultancy for identifying our need for donations and coordinating directly with Babcock and Railway Plant Services (RPS) to ensure the safe delivery of materials to our site.”

Robert Gardiner, Chairman of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway