One of Co Down's best-known historic landmarks is coming into the light. environment minister Mark HDurkan has said floodlighting is expected to be installed at Dundrum Castle before the end of the year.
The minister has also confirmed that planning permission is being sought for a new visitor centre at the norman castle, parts of which date from the early 13th century.
Construction of the centre is likely to begin next year. However, an archaeological dig centred on a recently discovered 800-year-old lime is expected to be carried out first.
In a letter to Dundrum councillor Patrick Clarke, the minister said raising the profile of the castle would bring "benefits to the local economy". "I believe that the improved visibility, floodlighting, visitor centre, landscaping and interpretation, which will in due course cover findings from recent excavations, will all be effective in raising the visitor profile of the castle and the village of Dundrum itself, attracting more tourists and boosting the local economy," Mr Durkan said.
Mr Clarke welcomed the minister's commitment to developing the castle. "For a long time now I have been fighting to have floodlighting installed in the grounds around the castle and am delighted to hear this will be completed this year," he said. "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."
Commanding views of the Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy in the early 1200s.
John Manley