Heritage campaigners and residents have staged a protest against plans to refurbish St John's Point Lighthouse near Killough in Co Down.

A community demonstration was held at site in protest against controversial proposals by the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) to refurbish the iconic building.

Sinn Féin South Down MP, Chris Hazzard, said the plans would diminish the unique heritage of the area.

"For 150 years the iconic sweeping beam from St John's Point Lighthouse has been a fundamental part of life for those of us who live and work in East Down," he said.

-- Advertisement --

"The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) current proposals to alter this beam as a result of their planned refurbishments of the lighthouse are unacceptable and are therefore opposed by both heritage campaigners and the local community.

"We have unfortunately seen CIL's modernisation policy diminish the unique character of Irish lighthouses in recent years as a trail of destruction has been left in their wake.

"Recent problems at Tory Island, Mew Island and Fastnet are a timely reminder as to why we must not tamper with the special heritage at St John's. The message remains the same - leave our light alone."

Image credit: D-on architects.

(LM/MH)