TC/1261

Mowlam backs £44M recovery plan for Omagh

THE Secretary of State, Dr. Mo Mowlam, this week pledged her support to help build a "stronger and better" Omagh in the aftermath of the August 15 atrocity.
Dr. Mowlam visited the town on Monday for the launch of the district council's regeneration initiative, 'Omagh Renewal and Beyond', when it was revealed that the cost of the plans aimed at tackling the trauma caused by the bomb, and enhancing the image of the town, would top £44 million.
Speaking at the launch, the Secretary of State said the atrocity which claimed 29 lives, should never be forgotten, but the community must look to the future and build to make the town stronger than before.
And she said she intended to promote Omagh to prospective investors while on the major IDB trade mission to North America, which got underway on Tuesday.
She also revealed that more than 600 people were claiming compensation for injuries sustained in the bomb.
However, on her arrival at the council offices, Dr. Mowlam was met by protesters calling for the retention of acute services in the Tyrone County Hospital.
Among those present were Mr. Laurence Rush, whose wife, Libbi, was killed in the bombing, and Mr. Michael Gallagher, who lost his son, Aidan.
They were accompanied by members of the health union, Unison, who held banners and carried placards demanding that the County be saved.
Dr. Mowlan said she would listen to what the people of Omagh were saying and would do her best to represent the case for retaining hospital services.
Recovery plans
Outlining the initiative to rebuild the town and the shattered community, Mr. John McKinney, said the cost of the recovery plans were estimated at just over £44 million.
Much of the funding required was already in train, he said, as some of the plans, such as the riverside development scheme, the Arts Centre Scheme, and the project to rejuvenate the Churches Area of the town, were underway.
He said there were several critical gaps in funding, however, and the council needed just over £3.6 million from the Government to put all of the schemes into action.
"We are not asking the Government for £44 million. We already have the expertise and have applications in place," he said.
"Above all, what Omagh needs is goodwill, support, offers of partnership, a willingness to help us surmount problems and an easing of our path by the major statutory agencies.
He said the dreadful events of August 15 must never be forgotten but the entire community agreed that it must go forward. This initiative, he said would take the town forward.
Mr. McKinney said the recovery plan was based on dealing with both human and physical aspects, the underpinning of new responses by existing plans and programmes, and making sure all sections and interests had ownership of it.
It was also essential that if be seen to "make a difference", he said.
The council's partners in the project include the local chamber of commerce and industry, the community and voluntary sectors, the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, traders and other agencies and groups.
The initiative sets out five strategic action areas: a human element to deal with the physical recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by the bomb; the reconstruction of the town centre, the recovery of businesses affected; the encouragement of investment: and the need to put forward a more positive image of the town.
Community house
The plans also include the setting up of a community house to offer solace and support, and an international summer school to focus on regeneration. That is due to be held next August or September.
Commenting on the image of the town, Mr. McKinney said: "Omagh must not be remembered as the place of that dreadful bomb, but as a place that moved forward collectively."
Referring to the bid made to the Government by the Sperrin Lakeland Trust for more funding, he said it was important that it did not suffer as a result of the bomb.
And he urged the Secretary of State to look at the matter sympathetically.
He went on to say that many families would face a dark Christmas, but the community must try to make Omagh a place where people could shop in comfort and safety.
Security cameras throughout the town is also something which is being addressed in the initiative.
Mr. McKinney added: "Apart from the tragic loss of life in our town, there has also been an obvious loss in people's livelihoods. Our task now is to rebuild, not only the physical infrastructure of the town centre, but to restore consumer confidence through vigorous, but sensitive, regeneration.
"A thriving Omagh town, with new standards of accessibility and safety, will act as a catalyst for increased commercial activity and will ultimately lead to robust growth and prosperity for all members of our community."
Dr. Mowlam spoke of her willingness and determination to work alongside the people of Omagh.
"To have some kind of strategic approach working in partnership makes it easier for people to come together," she said.
She referred to the work already done by the entire community, saying that the partnerships which were in place had made a big difference to the progress made to date.
Dr. Mowlam said the Government was looking at the bid by the Sperrin Lakeland Trust for more funding to cope with the aftermath of the bomb, and pointed out that a Lottery application had already been lodged to help towards the reconstruction of the town centre.
Investment
Referring to trade and investment, she said the Government would do all it could through LEDU and others to get what investment it could for Omagh.
She said it was important that a tenant was found for the advance factory to be set up at Doogary, adding that she would do what she could to promote that during the IDB tour of North America.
Pointing to the need to put forward a more positive image of Omagh, she said: "The past should not be forgotten, and people throughout Omagh will carry it with them, but we must look to the future and build for that."
She said there was a determination on the part of the people and to have the town remembered for the atrocity - that they would not let that be the only thing Omagh was known for.
Pledging the Government's support, she said: "We will go with you down that road to build a stronger and better Omagh for the future."
Dr. Mowlam added that she was aware that the future of the Tyrone County Hospital was uppermost in many people's minds. She said consultation on the review of acute services had been reopened, and the situation would be looked at closely, in view of the concerns felt by many in the community.
She added: "It is an honour for me to be here on what is both a sad and positive day. You are acknowledging what is remembered, but determined to build something better for the future."
Heartened
Mr. McKinney said he was heartened by the Secretary of State's words, adding that he was now convinced that she would go forward and support the town.
And he added: "Omagh council will do everything to make sure this initiative works."
Mr. Sean Clarke, chairman, said the initiative heralded a start in the long road to renewal.
And it represented a partnership of Government, the business community and voluntary sector.
He referred to the human dimension and the challenges which lay ahead, and the need for rebuilding in an embracing and holistic manner.
He said: "As chairman of the council, I welcome the integrated approach adopted and I can assure you, Secretary of State, our total commitment to renewing Omagh in partnership with the community - remembering the past, but looking to the future."
Mr. Allan Rainey, vice-chairman, said a number of elements were required to raise Omagh to its former state of prosperity.
These included the community working together and everyone's skills and patience being brought into play.
"Courage is also needed. And, Secretary of State, you are the one who can deliver on this project. We trust you will have the necessary courage so that we will be motivated to raise this town from a state of ruin to a state of former glory," he said.