Drumaness dam to be rejuvenated

Drumaness dam to be rejuvenated

7 March 2012

PLANS are being drawn up to transform one of Drumaness’ most historic sites.

The village community association hopes to secure funding from the Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP) to rejuvenate Drumaness dam and millpond. Down Council has already provided £53,000 towards the £173,000 project.

The range of work is aimed at improving access to the dam and mill pond and includes dredging the pond, resurfacing a number of access paths and providing new granite seating. The investment will also be used to create a new village entrance feature.

Down Council funding for the project was confirmed at Monday night’s meeting of the local authority’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Councillor Anne McAleenan, who is a member of the village’s community group, said she is delighted some of the money needed to allow much-needed work on the dam to get underway.

“The dam is the focal point in Drumaness and its upgrade is at the core of the village’s development plan. Down Council owns the dam and I’m so pleased it has agreed to provide £53,000 in funding to help with its upgrade,” she continued. “We are all hopeful that the additional money we require from DRAP will be confirmed shortly.”

Councillor McAleenan said aspects of the work proposed in Drumaness are similar to those carried out at Castle Park in Newcastle.

“Drumaness dam and the Mill Pond are at the heart of life in the village and an attraction for local people and visitors alike. The work that’s proposed will certainly improve the area which is already home to an abundance of wildlife,”

Councillor McAleenan said she’s pleased Down Council shares the vision of the Drumaness Community Association by agreeing to provide £53,000 to make up the funding shortfall.

She added: “We are grateful for the council’s support to help regenerate what is a wonderful community asset in the heart of our village.”