Memorial for 1973 bomb?

COLERAINE Borough Council is to set up a sub committee to look at the possibility of a permanent memorial in Coleraine to those killed in the Railway Road bomb.
The scene in the aftermath of the Provisional IRA bomb that exploded in Railway Road, Coleraine on June 12, 1973. The explosion killed six civilians.The scene in the aftermath of the Provisional IRA bomb that exploded in Railway Road, Coleraine on June 12, 1973. The explosion killed six civilians.
The scene in the aftermath of the Provisional IRA bomb that exploded in Railway Road, Coleraine on June 12, 1973. The explosion killed six civilians.

Forty years ago this year, six people were killed and 33 others were injured when an IRA car bomb exploded on June 12, 1973.

Last month a service was held in Coleraine Town Centre to mark the fortieth anniversary of the atrocity.

At a meeting of Coleraine Borough Council last Tuesday night, UUP councillor William McCandless proposed that a sub-committee should be formed to consider a permanent memorial to the victims.

“May I convey my appreciation to the officers of the Council in their organisation of the commemoration event,” said the UUP man.

“I have had many favourable comments from the public and indeed victims of the bomb.

“I think it is incumbent of us to take this forward,” he said.

His comments came as his UUP colleague Norman Hillis praised council staff for their organisation of the commemoration event.

Councillor Hillis said that the memorial was ‘thought provoking’ and ‘memorable’.

DUP Alderman Maurice Bradley echoed councillor Hillis’ sentiments saying: “Everyone was there than needed to be there.

“We just pray that it doesn’t happen again.”

The Mayor, UUP councillor David Harding described the memorial as a ‘moving event’.

The proposal by councillor McCandless will now be referred to the relevant council committee and a decision will be made.