Memorial will not be removed due to staff fears

Work continues at a memorial in Lurgan to commemorate 1916

In an Assembly question to Social Development Minister , Lord Morrow, local MLA Jo-Anne Dobson had asked what action was being taken to address the issue.

In response the Minister stated: “The replacement or removal of symbols such as murals and memorials is a complex and sensitive matter.

“No one, single agency can work on its own to do this. It needs a number of agencies and bodies to work together, as well as involving the public and relevant communities.

“The safety of NIHE staff and contractors is paramount. Having consulted with the PSNI the NIHE believes they could not guarantee their safety if an attempt was made to remove this structure.

“The NIHE will continue to work with those who live on their estates, their representatives and other agencies to look at an alternative use for these spaces.”

The Minister confirmed the memorial is on Housing Executive land in the Lurgantarry estate, Lurgan.

It was stated: “It has recently been built without planning permission or the approval of the Housing Executive. No-one approached the Housing Executive seeking permission to erect the memorial, and they would not have supported a memorial of this nature.

“The local Housing Executive office was made aware of the memorial being built on NIHE land approximately a month ago.”