The Duke of Gloucester visited the site of a Second World War training dome near Limavady on Thursday 5 November to view conservation and repair work. The visit was hosted by Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust and included a tour of the structure at Artikelly on the former RAF Limavady airfield.

The dome was built in 1942 and is a Scheduled Historic Monument. It is the only surviving RAF Trainer Dome on the island of Ireland and one of six remaining examples in the United Kingdom. It was originally used to train anti-aircraft gunners using early audio-visual simulation.

The first phase of work has seen a galvanised steel substructure and tensile fabric skin installed to create a 360-degree projection surface. The original precast concrete interior remains visible at the lower level, and a recreated section of an original partition wall is in place. A modular unit inspired by wartime Nissen huts now provides an office, store and accessible toilet. Site improvements include utility connections, drainage, landscaping, a new access driveway and visitor parking.

The project team described the restoration approach as 'curated decay', which preserves the structure's weathered appearance while ensuring its structural integrity. The dome is intended to reopen as an immersive projection lab and community space, possibly as early as next year.

Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust chief executive Edward Mason said National Lottery funding had helped rescue a piece of heritage at risk and secure its future as a learning and community asset. The project forms part of the Binevenagh & Coastal Lowland Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council.

Stella Byrne, Northern Ireland director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the conservation provided a sustainable future for the monument while offering visitors and local people the chance to learn about the history of the landscape.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said the restoration was an important investment in local history and would allow the landmark to be enjoyed by future generations. A confirmed opening date and details of future public access have not yet been announced.