The Irish Arts Minister Martin Mansergh has travelled to Northern Ireland to officially open the newly refurbished Dún Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre in Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Refurbishment works included the installation of a new lift and balcony, recording studio, new sound and lighting systems and conference facilities.

Dún Uladh, which translates as 'Fort of Ulster', is the provincial headquarters of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

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The centre is used as a cultural base for locals and visitors to study and celebrate native Irish music, song, dance, language and all Celtic arts.

Established in 1983, the Heritage Centre opened in 1995 thanks to the help of voluntary labour, fund raising, the cooperation of Killyclogher GAA Club and also a grant from the International Fund for Ireland.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Mansergh said: "Dún Uladh will act as the regional headquarters for a specially devised 'Meitheal Uladh Region', incorporating counties Antrim, Derry, Donegal, Down and Tyrone, from where Comhaltas will manage and administer its development programme.

"As a Cultural Heritage centre Dún Uladh continues to stay true to the values and vision of its management committee as it continues to develop as a major centre for traditional arts within Northern Ireland."

(PR/JM)