Lights stay out at Dundrum Castle over who foots the bill

Lights stay out at Dundrum Castle over who foots the bill

16 January 2013

THE lights will not be coming on at Dundrum Castle in the near future because of a stand-off between Down Council and the DoE.

As part of a campaign to raise the profile of the historic castle a campaign has been ongoing to develop facilities at the hill-top site, including the creation of a visitor centre and floodlighting.

However, Stormont’s DoE Minister, Alex Attwood, has said his department will not fund floodlighting the castle and has suggested that cost should be met by Down Council.

But rules governing the funding of capital projects by the council say it is only appropriate if the council owns the property. Dundrum Castle is owned by the DoE.

Mr. Attwood has already approved a number of improvements at the castle including new picnic tables and tins as well as some environmental improvements. His officials will also draw up options for a visitor centre in the future.

Village councillor Patrick Clarke believes floodlighting the castle would have enormous tourism potential and he has written to Mr. Attwood asking him to reconsider his decision.

“Following a letter from the Minister for the Environment in November 2012 I raised the matter regarding the funding and installation of floodlighting at Dundrum Castle with the Chief Executive of Down Council, Mr. John Dumigan.

“He has advised me that the Estates Department have given it due consideration and outlined that Down Council have been asked to provide floodlighting before, the last time being Killyleagh Castle. Down Council did not support the request at that time,” he said.

“I have been further advised that in order to fund the capital expenditure for the lighting at Dundrum Castle, Down District Council would need to take out a loan and the Department of Finance and Personnel will not grant such a loan when the asset upon which it will be spent is not within Down Council’s ownership.” 

“Also, Mr. Dumigan believes that Down Council will perhaps take the view that the DoE should fund such a proposal as Dundrum Castle is their building. With this in mind I have asked the Minister for the Environment to reconsider my request under the long term options to develop a visitor centre at Dundrum Castle which the Minister has previously outlined to me, or perhaps discuss my request with the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency to explore the possibility of allowing Dundrum Castle to be floodlit.

“Whilst I am aware that the Department of the Environment does not fund the installation or running costs of floodlighting at monuments like Dundrum Castle, I really do believe if the Minister could investigate and establish the costings and funding regarding floodlighting as part of the overall long term measures with developing a visitor centre it would be showcasing this truly historic site. 

“Floodlighting Dundrum Castle would certainly add to the tourism potential of this very popular all year round tourist attraction which has already been highlighted in the Village Development Plan for Dundrum 2012-2016 as a way of marketing and promoting the Castle.”