Reassurance over repair work to Castlewellan greenhouses

Reassurance over repair work to Castlewellan greenhouses

23 January 2013

AGRICULTURE Minister Michelle O’Neill has reassured campaigners for the restoration of the Annesley Gardens in Castlewellan that ongoing work on the glasshouses will not jeopardise grant aid.

Workmen moved into the glasshouses several weeks ago, replacing broken panes, removing overgrown vegetation and repairing years of neglect and damage.

However, some campaigners felt that grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) could have been put at risk by the unexpected work which is being carried out by the Forest Service.

One of the conditions for HLF funding is that no work is carried out on a project until the grant aid has been approved.

However, Miss O’Neill said this week that the £130,000 repair work at the glasshouses was classed as essential repair work and not refurbishment which is allowed by the HLF.

In a letter to Down councillor Patrick Clarke, the Minister said the ongoing work at the glasshouses “will substantially improve and protect these structures in the interim.”

Miss O’Neill said the Department of Agriculture has also secured £4m to develop recreation and tourism projects in forests over the next two years.

“This presents a significant opportunity for strategic partners, like councils, to take forward proposals they may have to upgrade visitor provision in forests in their area,” she said.

Mr. Clarke welcomed the assurances on the glasshouses and the announcement of £4m funding for forest parks.

“A memorandum of understanding is already in place between DARD and Down Council for the development of recreation and leisure products within Down Council’s area which will provide an excellent framework and opportunity for areas such as Castlewellan Forest Park,” he said.

“I am pleased that the DARD Minister has given me the necessary assurances that the ongoing works to the glasshouses as Castlewellan Forest Park will substantially improve these structures in the interim until further works for Castlewellan Forest Park, including the Arboretum and glasshouses, are carried out.”