The Green Party has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of a lighthouse in Co Down.

The party's representative for Bangor East & Donaghadee, Hannah McNamara, has called for the lighthouse on Mew Island to be preserved.

She has discussed the condition of the lighthouse with Captain Robert McCabe from the Irish Lights on BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra and said she would now like to explore ways to protect the building with Irish Lights.

She said: "Several more questions have now been raised after speaking with Captain McCabe and I intend to write to him to get answers. I have several reliable sources that have stated that the daytime aids to navigation have been removed from the island, despite Captain McCabe stating that the Irish Lights to his knowledge did not remove them.

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"I would also like to know what maintenance work has so far taken place on the island and do they have any planned for the future?

"I would love for the organisation to come with me to the island so that we can document the state the island is in. I am keen to build a relationship with the Irish Lights and work together with the local community in Donaghadee to ensure a positive outcome.

"The Irish Lights is a well-known organisation in town with many people being employed by them in the past and I want to continue that good relationship.

"I understand that funding is an issue for many organisations. However I am aware that 12 lighthouses have been saved and restored under the 'Great Lighthouses of Ireland' scheme.

"These lighthouses, including St John's Point in County Down, are now open to the public and many have overnight accommodation, visitors centres and guided tours.

"I am aware that there is an added difficulty with the Mew being on an island so far off the coast, but with safe navigational aids replaced and plentiful boat charters from Donaghadee and other local harbours, life could be restored to the Mew Island and its wonderful historic buildings."

(CD/LM)