Galbraith raises concerns over impact of A25 works on Strangford businesses
SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Conor Galbraith has raised concerns about the impact of ongoing resurfacing works on the A25 Downpatrick Road and Castleward Road on businesses in Strangford Village.
Local traders have reported a significant reduction in footfall since the closure began, with some experiencing losses of up to 90% in weekday trade, placing pressure on jobs and the long-term viability of village businesses.
SDLP Councillor Conor Galbraith said: “Strangford is a small village that depends heavily on passing trade and visitors, and the current road closure is having a very real impact on local businesses.
“I have been contacted by a number of traders who are seeing a dramatic drop in customers, with some struggling to meet basic staffing and operating costs.
“Many of these are long-established, family-run businesses that play a vital role in the local economy.
“While there is a clear need for road improvements, the level of disruption being experienced highlights the importance of proper communication and meaningful mitigation.
“I have raised these concerns directly with Roads Service and I am seeking urgent engagement and clarity on what support may be available.
“Also, I an seeking reassurance that the economic impact on Strangford is being taken seriously, particularly with the works continuing through half-term, St Patrick’s Day and into the Easter period”.
Businesses in Strangford Are Reeling With Customers Giving The Village A Miss
Local residents and businesses have been given assurances from the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) Roads Services that the A25 road upgrade will be completed by end of March.
Down News travelled to Strangford to find out how this road improvement was affected local businesses.
I got to the Ballyculter crossroads on the Downpatrick Road at the junction at Castle Ward one mile from STrangford and had to turn right and ‘follow the signs’. I drove to the Bishopscourt Road, down to Kilclief and came into Strangford from the Shore Road.
This detour added around nine miles to get to the village one way. When I arrived there it was very quiet compared to a normal day with vehicles driving around and some heading for the ferry.
In a letter to the residents dated 6th January 2026, the DfI said: “The work will commence 300 metres from the A2 Shore Road junction for a distances of 1150 metres. The scheme will deliver significant improvements to the structural integrity and surface of the road and improve road drainage…
“Access will be accommodated to all affected properties located within the closure over the duration of the works, however, at times there may be a short delay to clear safe passage.
“These works will likely cause inconvenience to the travelling public, and we appreciate your cooperation during this time…
One local resident said that parents on the Ballyculter side have to make this long run twice a day to get their children to the St Joseph’s Primary School where normally it was around a mile each way.
The mood of the villagers can be summed up in two words: ‘politely angry’.
I spoke to four businesses and here are the collective responses from Kevin Og Newsagent, Duffy’s Store, Vivo Shop, and the Cake Room. The Lobster Pot, The Cuan, and the Artisan Cookhouse were closed but trade there too has been impacted by the roadworks.
• all said that they agreed that the roadworks would improve the busy road, BUT…
• they questioned why the DfI Road Services had allowed the roadworks to drag on for so long not working in the evenings or weekends.
• some residents received letters from the DfI, but ‘my business didn’t’.
• delivery lorries were being sent on a long detour along narrow, unsuitable roads.
• some drivers unfamiliar had taken a first left onto the Crew Road coming from Downpatrick to find the exit was blocked at the far end. The signage is confusing.
• it has had a major impact on Strangford. Businesses are all very much affected with takings well down.
• businesses said that they were just just getting mostly local trade. There was no real passing traffic as prior to the roadworks. We needed that passing trade to survive.
• the town is at the moment just dead.
• the road does open at 4.30pm but sometimes the signs say it is closed and cars etc have to detour. This also applies to weekends. It’s a great inconvenience. We only have one back road into Strangford at the moment.
• trade is definitely down a lot, this will go on for possibly several weeks yet. It’s very difficult to survive in this environment.
