WORK is continuing to attract more visitors to one of Dundrum’s hidden gems — the village’s historic castle.
The promotion of the castle is one of the key planks of the village’s recently published development plan and the Department of Environment (DoE) is also keen to see more people visiting the site.
Officials at the government department are looking at options to develop a visitor centre at the castle where a number of improvements have already been carried out.
They include refurbishing the electricity supply to an existing toilet block while new litter bins and picnic tables are to be provided shortly.
Designs for a new sloping path from the car park to what’s known as Blundell’s House to provide enhanced access to the monument for people with disabilities are currently being worked up.
Proposals to improve views to and from Dundrum Castle by removing a number of trees and branches in the area has been agreed in principle with residents in the area, with the work due to take place over the winter.
DoE officials are also in discussions with their Roads Service counterparts to discuss the provision of new road signs to direct people to Dundrum Castle.
Floodlighting could also be provided at the castle, if Down Council would finance the scheme and planners give such a project the green light.
Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed news of the various improvements to attract more visitors to the historic Dundrum landmark which are spelt out in a letter he’s received from Stormont Environment Minister, Alex Attwood.
“With regard to a new visitor attraction at the castle, Minister Attwood is reviewing the long term options and he has asked his officials to develop more detailed costs as the basis for securing grant funding,” he explained.
“Better road signage to promote Dundrum Castle along the main entrance roads to the village is also being discussed, as is my request for the provision of floodlighting.”
Councillor Clarke said he has raised this particular issue with Down Council chief executive, Mr. John Dumigan, to see if the local authority would be prepared to finance such a scheme.
“The Minister has congratulated Dundrum Village Association on the completion of its village plan and attempts to maximise the tourist potential of Dundrum Castle,” added Councillor Clarke.