Communities Minister has welcomed the recent
designation of several new historic monuments and buildings
across Northern Ireland.
St Patrick's Chair and Well in Co Tyrone, the remains of World
War 2 wharfs where the German U-Boats famously surrendered to the
Allied Forces at Lisahally, and a unique battle garden at
Kilwarlin Moravian Church are among sites added to the schedule
of historic monuments this week.
A number of granite milestones on the old Enniskillen to Dublin
coach road in Co Fermanagh were also protected as listed
buildings.
Minister Lyons said: “Scheduled historic monuments and
listed buildings are among the most important parts of our built
heritage, and the structures we have protected this week
represent a microcosm of our rich heritage.
“I am pleased that my Department has taken steps to
identify and protect these unique aspects of Northern Ireland's
rich and varied historic environment.
“These special places, alongside many others already
designated, provide an important narrative in our landscape of
the very valuable and diverse history of the places in which
we all live.”
Statutory designation of these sites gives formal recognition to
their significance and provides a regulatory framework for
activity that would change or alter them. This is implemented
through either the Department (Scheduled Monuments) or the local
planning authority (Listed Buildings). This regime will ensure
that their historic importance is understood and taken into
account as they continue to be managed into the future or as
changes are proposed.
To find out more about your local heritage, please visit https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/services/historic-environment-map-viewer
Notes to editors:
- Designation ranges from a site associated with Ireland's
patron saint that has been venerated for generations to a
rare surviving set of eighteenth century mileposts along a now
rural road, to the only ‘battle garden' in Northern Ireland
(commemorating the Spartans last stand against the Persians
at Thermopylae in 480BC), to World War II heritage including
remains of the wharves where the U boats surrendered to the
Allies at the end of the war.
