‘Discussion and care’ needed on future of site of former Maze Prison, MLA told
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly was pressed on unlocking the potential of the site on the outskirts of Lisburn.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stormont deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has stressed a need to move forward around the site of the former Maze Prison “with discussion and care”.
Political disagreement over the future of the site of the former prison which held scores of paramilitary prisoners during the Troubles has halted major redevelopment.
While some of the site has been utilised for Balmoral Park for the annual agriculture show and by the Ulster Aviation Society, a large part of the site, including where former prison buildings stand, remains derelict.
It emerged in recent weeks that the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation met in April with senior officials from National Museums NI (NMNI).
Anything that happens or is proposed to happen within the Maze/Long Kesh site has to be done with full understanding and sensitivity to the view and the needs of victims and survivors
The museums body said it had discussed what role it could potentially play in the “interpretation of and access to” the former prison, but emphasised that would only come after political agreement over the future of the site.
UUP MLA Robbie Butler asked for an update on the site during questions for the Executive Office in the Assembly on Monday.
Ms Little-Pengelly said that she and First Minister Michelle O’Neill recently met with the new board.
“Of course, anything that happens or is proposed to happen within the Maze/Long Kesh site has to be done with full understanding and sensitivity to the view and the needs of victims and survivors, because those are the people most impacted by some of the events on that site,” she said.
Mr Butler, a former prison officer, said he appreciated the answer but pressed that in reflection whether there is a commitment to “ever unlock the potential of probably what is the most significant development site in the whole of Northern Ireland”.
Ms Little-Pengelly said as a fellow Lagan Valley representative she would “love to unlock the potential of that site”.
“I can say very clearly that in the role that I am in as deputy First Minister, personally I would never ever sign up to or agree to anything where there would be offence or hurt caused to victims and survivors, anything that would risk any glorification of any act of violence or terrorism on that site.
“Therefore, moving forward, that is very much the perimeters in which we will operate.
“Of course, I would like to unlock the potential. There are some very good things that are happening on that site, the incredible growth of the Ulster Aviation Society, of the Balmoral Show … there are really great activities there but I think we need to move forward with discussion and care.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.