Dungannon Council has got the go-ahead for the provision of the borough's first heritage/arts centre in the town centre.

A planning application to refurbish Ranfurly House at Market Square and construct a new build extension to provide an interpretation and community/arts facilities with access on to Castle Hill has been approved by the Department of Environment planning division.

Members were informed of the decision at their monthly meeting last night, Monday.

The Council has also disagreed over the name which should appear on brown tourist signage on major routes into the town.
During discussion members felt that any logo should be brief and simple, however there was a difference of opinion on the wording....
And in particular the work "the"! Councillor Sean McGuigan, seconded by Councillor Pat Daly, proposed to adopt a tower and the words "Hill of the O'Neill & Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre" in blue and gold colours.

Councillor Maurice Morrow, seconded by Councillor Kim Ashton, proposed an amendment that the wording read "Hill of O'Neill & Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre" in blue and gold colours.

During a discussion on the "the", it was stated that when "O'Neill" was Googled one got the name of a sports shop and clothing etc. However, when one Googled "The O'Neill", the history of O'Neill was shown.

The matter went to a vote with the word "the" being added on a 10-7 vote.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 14th March 2012