Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has hailed the imaginative and prescient for brand spanking new amenities at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP).
The Minister visited the positioning and met among the key companions concerned within the mission to modernise AOP’s amenities.
The Minister stated: “I’m more than happy to see the redevelopment mission for Armagh Observatory and Planetarium persevering with to maneuver ahead. The mission will safe the long-term way forward for this distinctive scientific and cultural asset, whereas providing a significant alternative to reinforce, modernise and future proof the positioning for generations to come back.
“AOP performs a useful function in connecting individuals of all ages with science, area and discovery and I hope this mission will assist nurture the astronomers, scientists and innovators of tomorrow.
“The mission represents an important step in strengthening AOP’s capability to ship world class analysis, distinctive studying experiences and an interesting, trendy vacation spot for guests from close to and much.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with (L-R) Professor Michael Burton, Director, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium – Minister, – Reuben Lucas, Affiliate Director Arup and Dr Paul Mullan Northern Eire Director, The Nationwide Lottery Heritage Fund at a go to to the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to see plans for his or her new imaginative and prescient.
Professor Michael Burton, Director, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, stated: “Basic discoveries of worldwide significance, which have knowledgeable and formed scientific thought and the examine of the cosmos, have been made by astronomers in Armagh because the Observatory’s basis. This funding is important to making sure we stay a world‑famend centre of astronomical analysis whereas preserving the exceptional heritage of our scientific devices and Observatory.
“We deeply worth the numerous help supplied by the Minister and his Division and we’re additionally extraordinarily grateful to The Nationwide Lottery Heritage Fund for his or her dedication and confidence, which have been instrumental in advancing this mission.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Eire Director at The Nationwide Lottery Heritage Fund, stated: “We’re delighted to help plans for the way forward for Armagh Observatory and Planetarium including to our dedication to the Armagh Metropolis, Banbridge and Craigavon Council space as a delegated Heritage Place.
“The Grade A listed Observatory holds distinctive heritage worth, is a landmark of scientific analysis and schooling, and is integral to Armagh’s id. Due to Nationwide Lottery gamers, we are able to contribute to the restoration, restore and ongoing care of the positioning’s historic buildings, in addition to safeguard its exceptional assortment of astronomical devices, paperwork and manuscripts courting again greater than 500 years.”
David Algie, Director, Arup, stated: “The redevelopment of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium displays a shared imaginative and prescient to remodel this historic scientific centre right into a world class facility for analysis and schooling, whereas safeguarding its heritage and devices in a sustainable approach.
“Arup is proud to play an necessary function to this initiative, serving to to encourage researchers and surrounding communities for generations to come back, and creating an distinctive customer expertise that can help wider financial growth throughout the Armagh area.”
Pupils Bláithín and Evie from St. Catherine’s Faculty Armagh and Eve and Robbie from Metropolis of Armagh Excessive Faculty attended the launch occasion at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium staff welcomes public enter and invitations you to share your views on the redevelopment by finishing a brief survey obtainable here.
The survey will stay open till 12th April 2026.
