An ancient Neolithic court tomb has been carefully preserved for future generations after NI Water collaborated with local historians to carry out essential restoration works in Co Tyrone.
NI Water was approached by the Drumquin Historical Society seeking assistance to help protect the Ally Hill court tomb, a 5,500‑year‑old historic monument located beside the Lough Bradan Water Treatment Works.
A court tomb is a type of Neolithic stone monument featuring an open forecourt leading into one or more roofed burial chambers.
Investigations confirmed that the Ally Hill tomb is registered with the Historic Monuments branch of the Department for Communities and is situated on land owned by NI Water under long‑term lease to the Forest Service. Over recent decades, the site had become heavily overgrown with heather and encroaching trees, prompting concerns about its long‑term preservation.
In line with responsibilities set out in the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, NI Water worked closely with the Historic Monuments Branch and Forest Service to secure the required licences and permissions to undertake conservation work.
Anthony McGirr, Wastewater Networks Area Manager, who led the NI Water team from the Fermanagh and Omagh area, explained:
“Under the guidance of Dr Vicki Ginn from the Historic Environment Division, our team spent the day clearing heather and cutting back branches to help protect this remarkable monument. Dr Ginn also shared fascinating insights into the history and significance of the site. A big thanks to the NI Water staff who came along to help out, especially Kevin McAleer and Francis Bradley who provided much assistance with planning the event. We were delighted to have additional support from Lowry Building and Civil Engineering, who kindly provided their welfare vehicle for the day.”
Chairperson of Drumquin Historical Society, Seamus Gormley, visited the site during the restoration work and praised the collaboration:
“We are extremely grateful to everyone involved. This project ensures that the Ally Hill tomb will be preserved within our local landscape for generations to come.”
The conservation effort follows the recent discovery of an ancient burial cairn during peatland restoration works nearby in the Murrins Area of Special Scientific Interest, east of Omagh.
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