Two centennial stones are to be installed across Co Down – despite the centenary of Northern Ireland first being celebrated back in 2021.
The new stones will be in Rathfriland and Dollingstown, with the ornamental features part of a wider scheme designed to commemorate the centenary of Northern Ireland at a number of designated localities within the ABC Borough.
Residents of the localities in question were surveyed, with 92.82% of residents approving the idea of a commemorative stone in Rathfriland, and 95.45% being in favour in Dollingstown.
The planning report states in relation to Rathfriland: “The application site consists of a pedestrian island located to the north end of Church Square adjacent to Main Street, Rathfriland.
“The pedestrian island is 13 metres wide narrowing to 11 metres and 41 metres long, and it is occupied by street furniture including raised flower beds,two flag poles, a litter bin and an art installation. Within the flower beds are directional signs on galvanised poles.
“The application seeks full planning permission for the installation of a Northern Ireland Centennial Stone.
“The stone is to be placed in at a 30-degree angle within an existing flowerbed. The stone is to be polished granite, with the inscription of ‘Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Foundation of Northern Ireland’ to be secured within a galvanised metal frame.
“The stone measures 57.2cm in height, 61.4cm in length, 6cm wide.
The centennial stone
“Officers are of the opinion that the proposed stone is sited to read with existing street furniture and will be finished in a high-quality polished granite. No natural features will be removed to facilitate the development.
“Due to its minor scale and sensitive placement, officers are of the opinion that the proposal is in keeping with the character and appearance of existing street furniture in terms of design and scale.
“The stone is to be positioned within an existing raised flowerbed, which will prevent a trip hazard and not impede disabled access to the existing pedestrian island.”
Likewise, the location for the centennial stone in Dollingstown is a fairly prominent one, next to an information board and a commemorative display honouring Queen Elizabeth II at 29 Alfred Terrace, and the granite feature will be of the same size as in Rathfriland.
The relevant planning report explains the location for the commemorative stone was chosen carefully: “An environment made accessible to everyone is an integral part of the planning system and under the provisions of this policy, developers are encouraged to take account of the specific needs of people with disabilities and mobility issues.
“The proposed stone will be sited underneath an existing information board in order to prevent a trip hazard, and allow for continued ease of access for those with mobility difficulties. The proposal is therefore considered to be compliant.”