Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has welcomed the restoration of the Wee Nuns’ School at the Long Tower in Derry.
The listed school building completed in 1825, will provide visitors the opportunity to learn about and understand the history and heritage of Columba/Cholmcille/Columb, who has been associated with Derry for 1500 years.
The Minister’s Department contributed £280,000 to the restoration project which is now known as the Aras Cholmcille~St Columba Heritage Centre
Attending the official opening, Minister Durkan said: the transformation of the former Wee Nuns’ School from a building in very poor structural condition, to the high quality heritage centre had been the result of many years of determined effort by the Aras Cholmcille Trust.
He added: “They have realized a vision that not only sees an important building at risk being saved but created a new attraction within the city which will add to tourism, pride and the economy.
“What DOE is about is creating a better environment and stronger economy and this restoration reflects that vision.”
The Centre will be open to the public from Wednesday.
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