Loughinisland signs must be replaced say local politicians

Loughinisland signs must be replaced say local politicians

5 August 2015

TWO politicians have highlighted the need to upgrade signs directing visitors to the historic Loughinisland churches.

South Down MLA Chris Hazzard and councillor Patrick Clarke have expressed concern about the poor state of the signs which have been described as “decrepit,” and the politicians have contact the Department of Regional Development (DRD) and Department of Environment (DoE) to have the issue addressed.

Mr Hazzard said the churches, nestled between beautiful lakes and rolling drumlin countryside,  continue to be a popular site for locals and visitors. He said it’s “totally unacceptable” at the height of the summer with thousands of visitors travelling to South Down that signs for a local attraction has been literally “left to rot.”

He continued: “The signs must be replaced as soon as possible. In addition, I believe more could be done to harness the world class potential of local heritage sites such as Loughinisland.”

Mr Hazzard has also written to DRD Minister Danny Kennedy asking for new signs to be erected as soon as possible and contacted local tourism officials to discuss how best tourist attractions like the historic Loughinisland churches can be marketed.

Councillor Clarke, who has contacted DoE minister Mark Durkan, said the ancient burial ground of the McCartan clan is located adjacent to the historic churches. He also believes the Environment Agency also has a role to play in improving signs.

Describing the current signs as “poor and inadequate,” the Sieve Croob councillor believes signs on the approach roads to the historic churches also require upgrading.

He said that from visiting the churches and neighbouring graveyard he discovered the McCartans of Loughinisland buried there are connected to former French President Charles De Gaulle.

Councillor Clarke said De Gaulle’s great-grandmother was Marie Angelique McCartan who is descended from the McCartans of Loughinisland in the Barony of Kinelarty.

He continued: “Given the rich historic background to Loughinisland Churches and graveyard I hope the government departments can provide new and improved signs. In addition to new signs at the entrance which leads to the churches and graveyard, there is also a need for new signs in Loughinisland village to help direct people to such an important and historical site.”