Alliance Coleraine Councillor Yvonne Boyle has welcomed the decision by the Environment Minister to place an urgent work notice on Coleraine’s former workhouse and hospital building which is a listed building. The building dates from 1841, but there has been several instances of vandalism in recent years. Yvonne’s Alliance colleague Anna Lo, the Chair of the Assembly’s Environment Committee wrote to the Minister on this issue in July on her behalf.

This urgent works notice will give the owner a week to carry out work to protect and secure the building. If the owner does not do this work then the Department of the Environment will do so and seek to recoup the costs from the owner.

Cllr Yvonne Boyle said: “This building is part of Coleraine’s rich heritage from the 19^th century. I think it is vitally important that we ensure that these buildings are secured and preserved.

“Ensuring that this building is protected was a campaign pledge by Alliance candidates in last year’s council elections, so I welcome this decision.

“I would like to thank my Alliance colleague Anna Lo, the Chair of the Assembly Environment Committee, who wrote to the Minister on my behalf. Preserving our built heritage right across Northern Ireland is a key policy of Alliance, my colleagues and I will continue to work to protect these irreplaceable buildings.”

ENDS

Boyle welcomes protection for Coleraine’s former workhouse and hospital building

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