Council representatives meet Maze Board Chairman

THE Mayor of Lisburn City Council, Alderman William Leathem and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alderman James Tinsley recently had an introductory meeting with the Chairman of the Maze Long Kesh (MLK) Development Corporation, Mr Terence Brannigan, to hear about the formation of the development corporation.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Mr Norman Davidson and Director of Environmental Services, Mr Colin McClintock were also in attendance at the meeting.

Mr Brannigan agreed that a presentation on the future development of the site be made to a meeting of Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee later this year, in order that all members are appraised of the short term and longer term proposals for the regeneration of the site.

Following the meeting, the Mayor said: “Over recent years there has been much debate over the future of the Maze Long Kesh site. I am hopeful that there is now a renewed vigour and impetus to ensure that this strategic development location becomes a focal point, a catalyst for regeneration and a positive symbol for Northern Ireland in these difficult economic times.

“Lisburn, indeed like the rest of Northern Ireland, has much to gain from the development of this site and I hope that things will, at last, begin to move forward quickly,” he concluded.

Alderman Tinsley said: “It was very interesting to hear the initial views of the Chairman and I would like to thank Mr Brannigan for taking the time to meet us. I know all of the Members of Lisburn City Council will be interested to hear about the site’s development as this multi-million pound regeneration and investment project moves forward.

“We are all looking forward to the RUAS holding its agricultural show, in the City of Lisburn and the Council wishes to encourage and work with the Development Corporation in order to see this and other developments become a real success story for the City,” Alderman Tinsley concluded.