THE deadline for expressions of interest in the vacant Necarne Estate in Irvinstown, Co Fermanagh, has been extended to Friday, September 16th, by the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

A popular point-to-point venue, the estate, which stands on 230 acres of grass and woodland, boosts a Grade B-listed 17th century Tudor castle, a gate lodge and garden house and further accommodation with 16 rooms.

Necarne is also home to the Ulster Lakeland Equestrian Park, which was built at a cost of over £4 million. With an indoor arena, a 300-seater viewing gallery, cross country course, steeple chase and point-to-point courses, catering facilities and outdoor arenas, the centre was once used by CAFRE agricultural college for their equestrian students.

However, the estate has been vacant for the last four years.

Expressions of interest were first advertised in July and the extra three week deadline is hoped to attract further interested parties. The council aims to attract investors to develop the estate and attract visitors to the surrounding area.