Northern Ireland

Opening of north's first dark sky park in Co Tyrone delayed again

Using a telescope at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Picture from Mid Ulster Council
Using a telescope at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Picture from Mid Ulster Council Using a telescope at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Picture from Mid Ulster Council

The opening of the north's first dark sky park has been postponed after the Executive tightened coronavirus restrictions.

After more than a decade planning, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory was due to open in Co Tyrone in April.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, the opening was then postponed until tomorrow, October 17.

However, the launch of the new £1.2m visitor attraction in Davagh Forest in the foothills of the Sperrins has now been delayed again.

READ MORE: The New Normal: How the north's first dark sky park and observatory plans to open in the middle of a pandemicOpens in new window ]

Mid Ulster District Council said it had made the difficult decision in light of the current restrictions and health guidance.

Although the observatory remains closed, the main building will open to allow visitors to buy takeaway food and use toilet facilities.

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory had been due to open tomorrow. Picture from Mid Ulster Council 
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory had been due to open tomorrow. Picture from Mid Ulster Council  OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory had been due to open tomorrow. Picture from Mid Ulster Council 

Chair of the Council, councillor Cathal Mallaghan, said it was ‘the most responsible decision".

“While this is a huge disappointment, especially to the hundreds of people who had booked to enjoy the full OM experience, we feel it is the most responsible decision in the current context," he said.

“Our dark skies, ancient landscape and fascinating archaeology aren’t going anywhere and we will be ready and waiting to welcome our first visitors for the full OM experience as soon as the current period of restrictions ends."

The project, jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Mid Ulster Council, allows star-gazers to observe the planets in an area which has very little light pollution.

For updates and further information visit omdarksky.com