AQW 6370/22-27

Ms Cheryl Brownlee
Democratic Unionist Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 13/02/2024
Answered On Date: 22/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail his plans to ensure the sustainability and growth of Carrickfergus Castle as a heritage and tourism attraction.

Answer:

My Department has invested £1.8 million since 2018 in the Carrickfergus Castle Roof, Grand Battery and East Sea Tower, to help conserve this important State Care Monument for the community and for future generations.

The Castle, along with the Carrickfergus Town Walls and Gasworks are at the heart of the £42 million heritage-led Belfast Region City Deal investment in Carrickfergus.

The City Deal investment will deliver more jobs and wellbeing benefits for residents, as well as benefitting local economies by attracting visitors and increasing dwell-time and spend.