Crawford calls for publicenquiry into handling of Maze plans

LISBURN Councillor Ronnie Crawford has written to the Secretary of State calling for a pubic enquiry into the handling of the development at the site of the former Maze prison.

Mr Crawford has been highly critically of the slow progress on the development proposals and is now calling for an enquiry into the matter.

“The first question which needs to be looked at are the reasons for the huge delay in movement and the lethargy surrounding this development compared to others and no party comes out of this with any credit,” said Mr Crawford.

“The second question must consider Gregory Campbell’s decision to scrap the multi-sports stadium which would have been an iconic symbol of the progress made since 1994. We were told that there was no viable business case; that it would cost too much money and every conceivable cost related to the site was factored in to make it look a lost cause. Yet Munster’s Thomond Park’s 26,500 seater stadium was completed in 2008 for a cost of around £30 million.

“The third question must look at the business case for spending £60 million on the refurbishment of Casement Park,” he continued. “This money would provide two stadia for Munster Rugby yet has anyone seen a valid business case for this expenditure on this GAA facility?

“Fourthly, the suitability of Windsor Park as a home for Northern Ireland internationals needs to be re-assessed. Football fans tell me that the recent incidents at Brandywell indicate the fact that Windsor Park will never become accepted by all sections of the community as the home of Northern Ireland football.

“Fifthly, there must be an investigation into the inclusion of the republican H block and the hunger strikers’ hospital in the new centre for peace and reconciliation. The ratepayers in Lagan Valley have been treated with contempt and not even been consulted about the prospect of this ‘shrine’ being established in their midst, given the potential for the glorification of terrorists and the evil deeds they committed.”

Mr Crawford also hit out at the First and Deputy First Minister and questioned the level of expenditure on development in Belfast compared to that in the rest of Northern Ireland.

“There are other issues to be investigated as well, including the gross delay in appointing a Development Corporation, but this development is, even on the most cursory of examinations, a symbol of the arrogance of the DUP/SF coalition and once again it is the people of Lisburn who are the losers,” continued Mr Crawford. “No doubt there will be the usual chorus of ‘Crawford talking Lisburn down’ by those who fear the truth of their political leaders’ actions and motivation being exposed.

“Owen Paterson needs to take this matter out of the hands of Robinson and McGuinness and ensure that justice and fairness is established for all the people of the Province,” he concluded.