Visitor centre plans could light up castle

Visitor centre plans could light up castle

21 October 2015

A FORMAL planning application to enhance visitor facilities at Dundrum’s historic castle could be submitted in the near future.

The Environment Agency has drawn up ambitious proposals to provide a new visitor centre, improved car parking and floodlighting at the village castle, with the upgrades to McMinn’s Lane and Castle Hill Road on the approach to the ancient site forming part of the proposal.

Environment Minister Mark Durkan has confirmed work on detailed drawings to widen and upgrade the upper portions of McMinn’s Lane and Castle Hill Road is continuing in preparation for submitting the planning application.

He said while traffic and environmental surveys are proposed, the government department has been advised they are not required at this stage.

Mr Durkan was responding to councillor Patrick Clarke who had asked for a progress report on work to enhance visitor facilities at the village castle.

In a letter to the Slieve Croob councillor, the Minister said the roads upgrade is dependent on land issues which have not yet been resolved so it would be premature to hold promised public consultation on the project at this stage. He said consultation would take place “as soon as it’s reasonably practicable to do so.”

Mr Durkan also confirmed progress has also been made on the floodlighting issue, with a revised location agreed for the unit that will power the lights.

His letter adds: “A revised location has been agreed for the luminaire which will have a minimal impact on the archaeological and historical fabric of the site. The lighting unit will be used in a long term trial and will illuminate the western side of the castle keep. A meeting with the contractor regarding the installation of the lighting unit is due to be held shortly when the installation date will be confirmed.”

Councillor Clarke has welcomed confirmation that progress continues to be made to make the historic castle more accessible and visible to the public. 

He is also pleased there are plans to consult residents about plans to upgrade McMinn’s Lane and the upper section of Castle Hill Road on the approach to the ancient monument where the new visitor centre will be constructed.

“The Environment Minister agrees that achieving better public access to Dundrum Castle is key with work continuing on detailed drawings for the proposed road upgrade to pave the way for a formal planning application to be submitted,” he continued.

“A number of land issues to allow the road upgrades to be developed still have to be resolved and I hope this happens shortly, with the government department remaining committed to asking local people for their views on aspects of the scheme.”