07/09/2001

All-Ireland Mills Conference to be held in Sion Mills and Strabane

Sion Mills and Strabane are to be the venues for the third Island of Ireland Mills Conference.

The two-day conference hosted by the Sion Mills Building Preservation Trust and Strabane District Council will be held on Tuesday September 11 and Wednesday September 12.

Celia Ferguson of the Sion Mills Buildings Preservation Trust said: “The Mills Conference will be attended by delegates from all over Ireland as it has become an institution in the regeneration calendar.

“Since last year's conference in Cork, we have talked to a large number of people across Ireland involved in mill regeneration and keen to take part in this major event.”

This year's conference takes place in Strabane and Sion Mills, home to a project that has the potential to be one of Ireland's largest regeneration schemes.

Delegates will have the opportunity to tour the old Herdmans Mill in Sion Mills and attend a dinner hosted by Strabane District Council.

Celia added: “The programme for the two-day conference brings together a wide range of interests and disciplines and we know has something for everyone attending.

“This conference offers the opportunity for architects, conservationists, councillors, economic development officers, engineers, surveyors and many other businesses to exchange ideas about the exciting possibilities involved in these exciting regeneration projects.

“It provides a great chance to take part in workshop sessions and guided tours illustrating the many possibilities for new businesses and existing contractors to be a part of exciting regeneration schemes.”

During the conference delegates will hear about the highly successful Dean Clough regeneration project in Halifax, England that has created over 3,000 jobs. (SP)

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