Margaret Ritchie MP for South Down is pushing for progress for dedicated visitor centre at Dundrum Castle.
Ms Ritchie ensured Down News that progress is being made towards the developments of a proposed at the castl andxa0called for the Department of the Environment to make Dundrum Castle a site that will benefit from additional capital monies.
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Progress is ongoing as Dundrum Castle may soon have a visitor centre.[/caption]As a result, Minister M H Durkan MLA has confirmed that the site at Dundrum Castle will indeed benefit from extra funding, secured last autumn, for the heritage-led development.
Ms Ritchie added today: xa0“I have asked the Minister to provide me with details regarding the progress of the new centre
“At the minute work is being done to establish how improved access can be achieved, in terms of a car parking. This is particularly important as a good car park will ensure that more tourists will be enticed to visit Dundrum Castle.
“I am also pleased to say that following excavations in recent years at Dundrum, a medieval lime Kiln has been uncovered, believed to be the first and most substantial in Northern Ireland. Work is continuing to ensure that the feature is stabilised and made safe for presentation.”
Ms Ritchie also commented on floodlighting at Dundrum Castle and explained: “I have pursued the issue of floodlighting at the Castle ruins with the Department if the Environment. Trials of floodlighting options have already begun, and since there is now a longer period of darkness in the early evening, possible lighting for Dundrum Castle can be better tested.
“I will continue to pursue these issues with the Department of the Environment to ensure that progress continues with the proposed visitor Centre at Dundrum Castle,” she said.
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