Down District Councillor Patrick Clarke (Alliance) has welcomed recent progress regarding upgrading the Castlehill Road leading to Dundrum Castle.
Floodlighting and a new visitor centre are being provided following a written response received from the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency (NIEA) who are responsible for Dundrum Castle.
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Dundrum Castle is to see improvements to add to the visitor experience.[/caption]
Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “I welcome the recent written response and update regarding progress on plans by NIEA to improve the private Castlehill Road leading to Dundrum Castle. The floodlighting and a new visitor centre at the castle which has already secured financial funding from the Department for the Environment for 2014 and 2015.
“I have been advised by the NIEA that the National Trust have now cut a visibility splay through its woodland which creates a glimpse of the Castle when approaching from Clough. NIEA also arranged for the removal of several mature trees which were diseased and obscuring the view when approaching from Newcastle. Since their removal this has now greatly improved the visibility of the Castle from that direction.
“A consultancy report will make recommendations on the siting of the new visitor centre for the Castle. This should open the way to develop plans and seek planning permission for the building of the centre.
“I am excited at the prospect of greatly enhancing the visitor experience at Dundrum Castle. Recent archaeological investigations have added greatly to NIEA’s understanding of the development of site so there is a great story to tell. NIEA hope that their plans will draw many more visitors and so boost the local economy Dundrum and also within Down.
“NIEA have also advised me that a floodlighting trial was undertaken in back in the spring to floodlight Dundrum Castle. Further trials will be carried out using LED and other lighting before a final decision is taken to install the most appropriate and environmentally friendly lighting which will floodlight Dundrum Castle and be sympathetic to the environmental built heritage surroundings. For a long time now I have been campaigning to have floodlighting installed in the grounds around the castle and am delighted to hear this will be completed later this year.”
The NIEA have before Easter repairs were carried out to fix potholes on the Castlehill Road leading to Dundrum Castle and awaiting a consultancy report on improvements needed to visitor provision at Dundrum Castle is in the pipeline. NIEA expect there to be recommendations on improving the vehicular access via Castle Hill Road, which would require bringing at least some of Castlehill Road into public ownership.
Cllr Clarke added: “Dundrum Castle now has the potential to be a major tourist attraction in the area. A long time ago I recognised the potential Dundrum Castle can bring to the area, offering a fantastic opportunity to increase tourism and one that must be used to its full potential. I welcome the recent update from NIEA and will be continuing to monitor these plans by the NIEA and look forward to them becoming a reality.”
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