Top award for Discovery Centre

THE innovative Lough Neagh Discovery Centre has secured a prestigious William Keown Trust Access Award, recognising the Centre's award winning facilities for people with disabilities.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jan 2010, 14:35 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2010, 12:59 BST

The annual William Keown Trust Access Awards provide public recognition for organisations which are dedicated to ensuring their buildings are accessible to everyone in the community.

At the high profile awards ceremony, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre was recognised for its excellent design, accessibility and modern facilities including a low level reception area, loop system for individuals with impaired hearing, disabled toilets and wide corridors.

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Chair of the Leisure Services Committee, Councillor Mary McAlinden, said: “We are absolutely delighted to secure such a prestigious award. Oxford Island/Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is the second most popular outdoor attraction in Northern Ireland and the centre been designed to give safe, comfortable access and service to visitors of all needs.”

Rosemary Mulholland, Head of Conversation and Heritage, commented; “We would like to thank the William Keown Trust for this wonderful award.

"At the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre we are dedicated to ensuring our facilities cater for the needs of everyone who visits and we realise even small modifications to buildings can make a difference to the lives of many.”

For further information, please contact Rosemary Mulholland, Head of Conservation and Heritage on 028 3831 1668 or email [email protected]

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The William Keown Trust Awards for Dignity are awarded to those public buildings that are fully accessible both internally and externally for wheelchair users and those with a disability.

The Trust also takes into consideration those buildings which take into consideration the barriers surrounding hidden disabilities such as diabetes, cancer and epilepsy.

The buildings are staffed by people who welcome and show discreet understanding to those from all walks of life.

The Discovery centre which was built in 1992 but underwent refurbishment in 2005 and now offers a welcoming reception and information point as well as a shop offering extensive arts and crafts and a restaurant that boasts panoramic views of the Lough.

Related topics:Northern Ireland