One of two new 'ground-breaking' Orange Order projects to build interpretive facilities has moved a step closer to being realised

The Planning Service has approved the plan for Loughall, Co. Armagh - which is founding place of the main loyal order, Orangeism.

Planning permission had already been obtained for the proposed development at Schomberg House, Belfast.

The Order is the lead partner in a project that will cost £4m overall, and will see museums and interpretive centres at both Schomberg House, Belfast, and Sloan's House in Loughall.

"It will be an unequalled historical collection of historical material relating to Orangeism," said Director of Services Dr David Hume.

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An application for the iconic proposal has been submitted to a European Funding Programme, along with a detailed business plan.

Museum consultants from London have visited both sites and produced detailed plans to enhance the outstanding collection of artefacts and documents which is held by the Orange Order.

At Loughall, there are plans for tableaux which will recreate the signing of the first Orange Lodge warrants in 1795.

The £750,000 Armagh project is a joint venture between the Grand Lodge and the Sloan's House Development Group.

They are now waiting for approval of a funding application, which was submitted last year.

Once that is sorted out, construction work can be commissioned - with a fillip for the local building trade at both locations resulting.

Already 100 Orange lodges across Ireland have written in support of the proposals and highlighted that they have historical materials which they would wish to place in any new interpretive centre.

In addition, the Cavan County and Monaghan County Museums and the Millmount Museum in Drogheda have signed up to be partners with the Loughall Centre, while the Somme Centre and the Whitehouse at Whiteabbey are partners with the Schomberg House project.

See: Orange Lodges To 'Go Public'

(BmcC/GK)