Causeway Coast & Glens Council's Planning Committee to discuss memorial plinth for UDR corporal killed in Garvagh

UDR Corporal John Conley was killed by a car bomb in Garvagh, on July 23, 1974, whilst attempting to evacuate the area.

In 2023, Council members approved a motion for council to “place a fitting and permanent memorial on or near the Garvagh War Memorial to all who served and to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice…and a plaque at Bridge Street, Garvagh the site of the bombing.”

In 2025, members of October’s Leisure and Development Committee were informed of a recent consultation, to which all participants supported the installation of a plaque honouring those who served, and a separate plinth in memory of Corporal Conley.

A planning application relating to the plaque and plinth was submitted and now Council’s Planning Committee will discuss the matter at its meeting on April 22.

A report to councillors has recommended approval, saying: “No objections or representations have been received in relation to the proposed development. The principle of development is considered acceptable.

"The proposed development is appropriate in terms of its siting, scale and design. The proposal can also successfully integrate into the site both functionally and visually whilst being sensitive to the local character of the area.

"Due to the nature and scale of the proposal there will be no detrimental impact on the surrounding area and Listed Building and consultees have raised no concerns with the proposed works

"Consultation was carried out with Historic Environment Division (HED). No objections were raised. The application is recommended for approval”.