Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler has welcomed the news that hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on maintaining listed  buildings at Long Kesh. 

The local MLA recently submitted a written question to the Assembly, asking what steps OFMDFM is taking to maintain the listed buildings at the Long Kesh site and what plans it has to provide for maintenance of these buildings in the next few years to ensure they do not fall into a state of  disrepair.

In response, OFMDFM said that they have a responsibility to ensure that the buildings on the site which have a listed status do not fall into disrepair.

Buildings which still remain at the site include H6, the prison hospital, administration buildings, Cage 19 and two watchtowers.

“Over the past four years we have taken advice from the Environment Agency and undertaken all necessary maintenance and repairs spending some £350k,” OFMDFM said in response.

“Following on from this we contracted for a £224k three-year maintenance programme for listed and retained buildings.”

OFMDFM added that this programme is in addition to planned preventative maintenance schedule and regular maintenance checks on the site  to determine any unforeseen requirements.

“£48k was invested on the listed buildings in 2008-2009 under the programme and further works are planned for the current year.”

Speaking yesterday, Mr Butler said: “Unionists who have attempted to get these buildings delisted should now accept that the joint First Ministers are committed to maintaining these buildings.

“Sinn Féin is determined to ensure that the listed buildings and the Conflict Transformation Centre will become the hub of a new and positive development at the Long Kesh site.  

“There has of course been much good work done by the Maze/Long Kesh Consultative Panel over the course of recent years. 

“This work provides the foundation for the future development of the site. The fact is, the listed prison buildings and the transformation centre will be a central part of the future development of the Long Kesh site and the DUP and others need to recognise that reality.”

Paul Butler added that the  Barossa Task Force recognised the contribution which the North can make towards peace-building and conflict resolution. 

“It should be noted that the Executive have, in their response to the Barossa Task Force, committed to developing a facility to share our experiences,” he said. 

“Given the recognised historic and reconciliation potential of the site we believe that it would be fitting that such a facility should be located at Long Kesh,” he added.