AQW 52811/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 23/09/2026
Answered On Date: 05/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on how his Department supports State Care Monuments in North Down.

Answer:

My officials perform a range of duties to ensure Grey Point Fort, Ballycopeland Windmill, and Holywood Motte are safe, accessible and sustainable. This includes health and safety site inspections, promotional activities to support the Northern Ireland tourist product, risk assessments, condition surveys, conservation works, accessibility audits, and grounds maintenance.

A Conservation Management Plan, feasibility study and accessibility audit have been commissioned to inform interventions at Grey Point Fort; I have committed £75k capital investment to upgrade the depot facilities at the fort.

Working with Ards and North Down Borough Council and the voluntary sector, my officials have hosted a series of accessible events in Ballycopeland Windmill. I am pleased that an operator has been appointed and is working towards reopening the café in November 2026.

Holywood Motte is open at weekends, and on request; my officials are also exploring how to increase access with the local community.