Approval given for Killeavy Castle to be transformed into hotel

The councillor said that the local community were hugely excited about the castle project.

“Having played in the grounds as a child I understand the attachment felt by residents of the area for this captivating setting,” he said.

South Armagh MLA Megan Fearon, echoing her colleague’s sentiments, added: “Micky, myself and Conor Murphy viewed the plans with the owners on site last year.

“It was obvious that this project would increase the growing interest in tourism in this area and  enhance the experience of visitors to South Armagh.

“This is another step on the path to making this a top destination for tourists.”

SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Dominic Bradley MLA has also welcomed the confirmation from SDLP Environment Minister Mark H Durkan MLA.

Mr Bradley also revealed that he has held numerous meetings with both Mark H Durkan and former Environment Minister Alex Attwood with the agent Pat O’Hagan of Patrick O’Hagan Associates, Newry as part of the process to bring the hotel plans to this stage.

Mr Bradley explained: “Killeavy Castle is a historic building in South Armagh and I am delighted that the proposals are being presented to Newry and Mourne District Council on 5th February as an approval.

“This has been a very rigorous process to get to this point given this is a historic building and all efforts have been made to ensure the building and character of the building is preserved as part of the development.

SDLP at Slieve Gullion Castle in Killeavy

“Nestled in the heart of South Armagh, this hotel brings a huge economic and regeneration scheme to one of the most scenic and idyllic parts of this island. As the economy comes out of recession, I hope that this hotel will be able to capture the imagination of tourists and that they will come to stay in what is a beautiful part of the world.”

Headded: “I am in regular contact with the applicant who lives in Australia and indeed his agent Pat O’Hagan in Newry. We have held numerous meetings with the range of stakeholders and government agencies involved including the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan who has been very supportive of the project. Now that we have reached this milestone, I like many in the local community look forward to construction beginning in due course.”

Slieve Gullion SDLP Councillor Geraldine Donnelly also welcomed the approval.

“Killeavey Castle is a beautiful historic building however it has got into a terrible state of disrepair over recent years and the community have been keen to see it restored and brought back to life, with this proposal not only will it be brought back to life but it will help breathe new life in to our local economy,” said cllr Donnelly.

“I want to place on record my thanks to all involved in bring the proposal to this point, particularly SDLP Environment Minister Mark H Durkan MLA and his Planning Staff. This project was treated as a priority given the huge potential economic impact on South Armagh.

“I am deeply proud of South Armagh and its people and was delighted to bring the former Environment Minister Alex Attwood MLA to the site last year to meet with the design team and explain the huge economic potential to the area. I look forward to work commencing on site, and ultimately the new hotel opening in due course.”