Discussions on transforming the Necarne Estate in Irvinestown into a tourism and leisure destination, comprising a holiday retreat, accommodation, outdoor activities, enhanced walkways and cycle paths, events space and the reinstatement of a lake are continuing. 
Representatives of Gardrum Holdings Ltd, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Department of Communities Historic Environment Division (Buildings) met last month to discuss the redevelopment of the popular estate.
According to the Council, Gardrum was asked during the meeting to confirm their proposals for the short, medium and long term use and development of the Estate, considering the likely timescales for any development proposals, and to address other key issues in relation to the proposal. 
During year one and two, the company’s plan is to improve footpaths and walkways, create new cycle paths and equestrian trail, improve estates buildings, promote the estate as an event space; develop the Castle Courtyard, introduce a touring Caravan site and submit a planning application for a holiday retreat. 
During year three, four and five the company plans to begin construction of a holiday retreat to include new build lodges in key areas and redevelopment of the existing stable block, the establishment of family activities including archery, mountain bike hire, canoeing; the establishment of a cafe onsite and construction of Necarne Lake. 
For the long term, after year five, the company will look to growing the holiday retreat, promote the Castle refurbishment and examine the potential for a specialist respite facility or nursing home.
Gardrum advised the Council they have incurred costs in excess of £40,000 in developing the proposals. 
To maintain and service the current estate, Gardrum have budgeted an annual sum of £150,000, in addition to the original proposal which offered the Council an annual rental amount of £20,000. 
In order to submit the planning application, Gardrum have budgeted a sum of £250,000, to include various studies, reports, design development and other fees, according to the Council.