Refurbishment work at Manor House in Rathlin Island, Co Antrim, has been completed.

Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) undertook a major refurbishment programme to upgrade the interior and exterior of the Grade B+ listed building to three-star Guest Inn standard. The refurbishment project was completed following funding of £734,000 from Coastal Communities Fund and £250,000 from DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.

During a visit to Manor House, Rural Development Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "The Manor House is of great significance to the island and I am delighted that my Department has been able to support the Rathlin Development and Community Association with funding of £250,000 to realise its dream of bringing the property back in to use. The fully functioning Manor House has the potential to become a thriving social economic enterprise, generating income for the local community.

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"My officials have been working closely with the community in Rathlin on a number of projects, including the refurbishment of the Manor House and I am delighted to see that the work has now been completed successfully."

Michael Cecil, Chairperson of Rathlin Development and Community Association, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Minister to the refurbished Manor House and we are grateful for the support of her Department, without which this project would not have come to fruition."

(CD/LM)