Visitor Information...
THE RESTORATION PROJECTLocated at the entrance to the
village of Rostrevor, County Down, Northern Ireland, the Ross
Monument is a Grade A listed site. The Monument was erected in 1826
in memory of Major General Robert Ross who fought both in Europe and
the American Second War of Independence. The Monument celebrates his
victory over the American forces in Bladensburg in 1814 and his
entry into the capital, Washington.
In early 2006, Newry and Mourne District Council appointed Scott
Wilson to undertake the feasibility, design and management of the
restoration scheme. Pat Rogers Ltd was
appointed the contractor for the project.
Works undertaken included installing new paladin fencing
with a 4 metre wide belt of woodland planting located around the
site. Repair works were undertaken to the existing listed railings
and gates. New stone steps and an access ramp were
constructed. A 4 metre wide path edged with stone kerbs and finished
with resin bound paving were constructed from the steps to the
Monument which was itself repaired and cleaned.
Speaking at the Monument at the beginning of the restoration
project, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District
Council, Cllr Michael Cole said ‘The restoration of the Ross
Monument has been an important project on the Councils agenda for a
number of years and I am delighted that the site works have now
commenced. I would also like to acknowledge our funders – the East Border
Region Interreg IIIIA Partnership, Environment and Heritage Service
and the Ulster Wildlife Trust, through the Landfill Communities
Fund, for their financial commitment to the scheme. This Monument
will become an important tourism resource for our region and we at
Newry and Mourne District Council believe that this restoration
project
will complement the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Mournes
Signature Project and furthermore enhance our district’
Chairman of the East Border Region Committee Cllr Jackie Crowe,
stated “the East Border Region Interreg IIIA Partnership is
delighted to be associated with the restoration of this important
and historic monument. Its restoration and surrounding physical
improvements will not only improve the appearance of the village but
will attract more visitors and marks a significant stride towards
the promotion of a sustainable and prosperous future.”
This project is part financed by the European Union through the
Ireland/Northern Ireland Interreg IIIA Programme managed for the
Special EU Programmes Body by the East Border Region Interreg IIIA
Partnership.
