West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin welcomes announcement to develop Long Kesh site

Published: 3 August, 2010

A delegation from West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin visited the H-Blocks before work commenced on the demolition of a number of building within the site

A delegation from West Tyrone Ógra Shinn Féin visited the H-Blocks before work commenced on the demolition of a number of building within the site

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Clarke has welcomed the news that an application is to proceed to see the development of a conflict resolution centre on the former Long Kesh Prison site, as well as the retention of the listed buildings.


Councillor Clarke said;

"I welcome the news that the long Kesh site will be developed. This development will enable the listed buildings including the prison hospital to be retained and developed. This site has huge potential given its historical importance.

"Amongst the listed building to be retained are an H block, the prison hospital as well as visitors and administration blocks.

"With the proposal going forward for a conflict transformation centre to be developed on the site it will allow the story of the gaol to be told. Thousands of prisoners went through the gaol through its lifespan and a number of priosners died within the jail, most notably the Hunger Strikers of 1981. Their stories must be told as well as the many other people who were involved directly or indirectly with the story of Long Kesh.

"We now look forward to see work progress and the site developed and open to the public."