Could wartime lord's statue become town's newest attraction?

The Hill of the O'Neill is home to structures including the ruins of an 18th century manor house and an old army communications tower

A prominent figure from the Nine Years' War could hold the key to giving one of Ulster's most important historic sites a new lease of life.

Hugh O'Neill led Irish lords in a campaign against English forces but eventually fled Ireland in the exodus known as the Flight of the Earls in 1607.

Now a sculpture of the clan leader could feature in new plans for the Hill of the O'Neill in Dungannon.

Mid Ulster District Council (MUDC) has submitted a funding bid to the Department for Communities (DfC) seeking cash for the project which would also include a play park and upgraded event spaces.

Hugh O'Neill led the campaign against English forces in the Nine Years' War

Independent councillor Barry Monteith said, while the Hill of the O'Neill had been developed to some extent, there was still lots of potential.

"It's about time there is a statue of Hugh O'Neill in his hometown," he said.

"It and the adventure play park would give a family destination for folk where they come and spend the day and it's all at one site.

"There's evidence at this site that there were pre-Christian settlements here going back a couple of thousand years - maybe more.

"I think it's time to open up more of that."

From the 14th century onwards, the hill was the seat of military and political power of the O'Neill clan, chosen because of its height advantage and panoramic views.

Barry Monteith would like to see the scheme tied in with the removal of the old Army mast

The revamp is partly linked to a dispute over an old Army communications mast on the site in the centre of the County Tyrone town.

Some people - including Monteith - want to the mast to be removed, while others think it is part of the town's history and should stay.

Beside the mast, a pair of ruined towers overlook Dungannon, the last remaining remnants of a grand house dating back to the 18th century.

A feasibility study is currently being carried out into whether the mast could be removed or changed, however, some emergency services, NI Water, and mobile networks still use it.

MUDC said it was expected to be completed by March.

James Kane says statues enhance destinations such as the Hill of the O'Neill

James Kane from the O'Neill Country Historical Society is in favour of the redevelopment plans, but believes the mast is part of the long history of the site.

"I think there's a big role for sculptures, I really do," he said.

"In the courtyard at Benburb Priory there is a wooden interpretation of Shane O'Neill, and it's quite amazing the amount of people who stop and look at that and read the informative information panel.

"It makes your tour of a historic site that much more interesting."

Gemma Martin said any investment in Dungannon was welcome

Businesses said while they would welcome work at the Hill of the O'Neill, more needed to be done to give a boost to traders in Dungannon.

"Hopefully it will regenerate the town centre, footfall and even jobs and in the long term hopefully make Dungannon a better place for shopping," said Gemma Martin, who runs a shoe shop in the town.

"But at the end of the day, the council need to support traders as well by rates relief, by getting us more involved in decision-making processes and just general amenities and infrastructure for doing our day-to-day trading."

Richard Farquhar said Dungannon town centre could feel overlooked

Pet supplies shop owner Richard Farquhar said he had concerns about parking at the Hill of the O'Neill but that he hoped any improvement works there would benefit businesses.

"It would give the whole fabric of Dungannon a boost, there's no doubt about it," he said.

"The hill is like the face of Dungannon and you keep putting a bit more makeup and doing its hair, but the actual body of Dungannon is a little bit worn out and a wee bit overworked.

"So sometimes these things that look very good don't actually help the traders in the town.

"But any kind of investment is welcome."

A steel statue of Hugh O'Donnell's stands in Donegal town

MUDC said its officers were continuing to work with the DfC on regeneration initiatives.

A DfC spokesperson said funding had been approved for phase one of the scheme - which relates to lighting in shopfronts in the town centre at a cost of £400,000.

The spokesperson said this is due to be completed in March.