Environment Minister Arlene Foster told heritage experts and local politicians that Heritage can enrich and strengthen communities here.
Speaking in Carrickfergus Town Hall at a meeting of the Irish Walled Towns Network group, Arlene Foster said: “Heritage belongs to us all. It can enrich our lives and strengthen communities. It can provide a brand to promote tourism, inward investment and economic growth.
“The promotion of such economic growth is high on my political agenda and that of the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is essential for the future prosperity of Northern Ireland and, when championed through heritage awareness and protection, can also benefit the understanding and well-being of our people.”
With its fine Anglo-Norman castle and seventeenth century town walls, the Minister said Carrickfergus made a fitting venue for the heritage conference.
Notes to Editors:
- The Irish Walled Towns Network group was founded in 2005 and aims to unite and co-ordinate the strategic efforts of local authorities involved in the management, conservation and enhancement of walled towns in Ireland both North and South.
- The Minister officially launched the new Carrickfergus Castle ‘Guidebook’ and pre-publication launch of Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), Built Heritage Publication entitled ‘Carrickfergus – The Story of the Castle and Walled Town’.
- Further news media information contact DOE Press Office 02890 540003 or out-of-hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on 07699 715 440.
