Seamus Heaney: Almost £1m for construction of arts centre tribute

The centre is to be constructed in Seamus Heaney's home village of Bellaghy, as a memorial to the poet who died two years ago

A plan to build a new arts centre as a tribute to the late poet Seamus Heaney has been given a boost with almost £1m in public funding from Stormont.

The Seamus Heaney Arts and Literary Centre is to be built in the Nobel laureate's home village of Bellaghy, County Londonderry.

Heaney died in August 2013, aged 74.

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said it would be a fitting memorial to a "literary giant".

"Heaney's work resonated with people across the globe and this centre will be a major tourism draw and an important cultural asset to the north of Ireland," Mr McGuinness said.

"The writings of Seamus Heaney transcended all generations and boundaries and will be a fantastic resource for everyone in the community to use and enjoy."

'Magnificent project'

The Heaney family have donated his first writing desk, books and manuscripts to the centre, where the items will be put on public display.

Mr McGuinness announced the funding in a joint statement with fellow Sinn Féin minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who leads the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL).

Ms Ní Chuilín said it was a "magnificent project which honours a man who is undoubtedly amongst the greatest literary exponents ever to have come from these shores".

The DCAL minister also praised local authorities for showing "tremendous vision" in their bid to create a "timely, lasting and educational tribute to this famous son of Derry".

The chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Linda Dillon, said: "This project has huge local, national and international significance and will be a focal point for arts, cultural and educational activity, right at the heart of the place which so defined and inspired Seamus Heaney."