Building work has started to improve visitor access at an archaeological site on Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

The work at Tullaghoge Fort is part of a £500,000 investment in one of Northern Ireland's most important historical sites.

The site has been temporarily closed to the ublic while the work is being carried out.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "Enhanced visitor facilities at Tullaghoge Fort will raise visitor numbers to this area, resulting in an economic boost for tourism and local businesses.

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"Now that we have obtained planning permission work will start right away. For health and safety reasons, it will be necessary to temporarily close the site to the public, but the works will be completed in 2016 in time for the 400th anniversary of the death of Hugh O’Neill, often known as 'The Great O'Neill'.

"The Tullaghoge project continues to be an example of how my department is on the ground, working with new councils and communities across the North to deliver enhanced experiences at our heritage sites so that they can be enjoyed by even more visitors from near and far."

(CD/MH)