Menu
23/04/2014
Scrabo Closed For 'Forseeable Future'
Scrabo Tower, near Newtownards, Co Down, has been closed to the public for the "foreseeable future".
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has said that repeated water damage to the tower's electrical system has left the site unsafe.
Built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, third Marquess of Londonderry, the tower has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to climb the 122 steps to the top of the tower.
"The NIEA has, very reluctantly, decided not to routinely open Scrabo Tower to the public for the foreseeable future," a statement from NIEA said, adding: "Its exposed location makes the tower very vulnerable to wet and windy weather.
"The Department of Environment has carried out works costing hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last 30 years.
"Despite this, the tower continues to suffer serious water ingress.
"For the second time in five years, this has damaged the electrical supply and lighting.
"Without lighting, the safety of visitors would be compromised."
(MH/JP)
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has said that repeated water damage to the tower's electrical system has left the site unsafe.
Built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, third Marquess of Londonderry, the tower has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to climb the 122 steps to the top of the tower.
"The NIEA has, very reluctantly, decided not to routinely open Scrabo Tower to the public for the foreseeable future," a statement from NIEA said, adding: "Its exposed location makes the tower very vulnerable to wet and windy weather.
"The Department of Environment has carried out works costing hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last 30 years.
"Despite this, the tower continues to suffer serious water ingress.
"For the second time in five years, this has damaged the electrical supply and lighting.
"Without lighting, the safety of visitors would be compromised."
(MH/JP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2024
New Support Programme For NI's 'Global Businesses Of The Future'
A new programme to support Northern Ireland's early-stage, technology-based, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs to become "global businesses of the future" has been announced Economy Minister Conor Murphy.
New Support Programme For NI's 'Global Businesses Of The Future'
A new programme to support Northern Ireland's early-stage, technology-based, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs to become "global businesses of the future" has been announced Economy Minister Conor Murphy.
05 February 2024
OFMDFM Challenged To Commit To No Future Collapse Of Stormont
The First and Deputy First Ministers have been challenged to commit not to collapse Stormont in the future, by SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole. Mr O'Toole has said that his Opposition team at Stormont is "determined to deliver for people across Northern Ireland".
OFMDFM Challenged To Commit To No Future Collapse Of Stormont
The First and Deputy First Ministers have been challenged to commit not to collapse Stormont in the future, by SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole. Mr O'Toole has said that his Opposition team at Stormont is "determined to deliver for people across Northern Ireland".
23 April 2024
Other News In Brief
20-Year-Old Arrested In Connection With Graffiti On NI Trains A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a number of reports of graffiti on trains across Northern Ireland.
Other News In Brief
20-Year-Old Arrested In Connection With Graffiti On NI Trains A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a number of reports of graffiti on trains across Northern Ireland.
28 February 2024
Health Service Faces 'Extremely Difficult And Worsening' Situation
Northern Ireland's health and social care services are facing an extremely difficult and worsening" financial position, Health Minister Robin Swann has warned. The minister made the warning in his keynote speech at the Royal College of General Practitioners (NI) in Ballymena.
Health Service Faces 'Extremely Difficult And Worsening' Situation
Northern Ireland's health and social care services are facing an extremely difficult and worsening" financial position, Health Minister Robin Swann has warned. The minister made the warning in his keynote speech at the Royal College of General Practitioners (NI) in Ballymena.
27 February 2024
Four Men Sentenced Over Co Antrim ATM Thefts
Four men have been sentenced in connection with a series of ATM thefts in the County Antrim area over four years ago. The investigation related to a number of ATM thefts between 27th October 2018 and 6th December 2019, including the theft of two cash machines at a supermarket on Castle Way in Antrim.
Four Men Sentenced Over Co Antrim ATM Thefts
Four men have been sentenced in connection with a series of ATM thefts in the County Antrim area over four years ago. The investigation related to a number of ATM thefts between 27th October 2018 and 6th December 2019, including the theft of two cash machines at a supermarket on Castle Way in Antrim.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
