Durkan welcomes conservation of Derry medieval church ruins

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has welcomed the conservation of medieval church ruins in Derry.

Speaking during a visit to the site on the edge of Enagh Lough on the outskirts of the city, Mr Durkan said the ruins (pictured) were located in an area of “considerable historical and archaeological interest.”

He said: “This conservation project at Enagh Church is an important intervention by my Department in protecting the heritage of this site, and promoting the heritage of the whole area. It is an example of where my department has taken action to make sure these medieval ruins survive for the future, that people can visit and see them.

“The new interpretive information further adds to the offering these sites can make to the visitor, be they from nearby or tourists from further afield.

“The contribution I have made to this and other historical sites in the area means that these unique, special places will survive into the future. Sites like Enagh Church are key parts of our archaeological heritage, and I want to ensure that they continue to make their important contributions to our community, education, tourism and our economy.

“This project has been the result of a very successful collaboration between Derry City and Strabane Council and the DOE, which has delivered a successful conservation project for the benefit of the whole community. The church has been conserved in a sympathetic way, ensuring its future preservation and adding to Northern Ireland’s unique heritage offering.”