TC/1438

Council defends role in helping rebuild Omagh

OMAGH District Council has hit back at criticism of its role in various projects undertaken in the 18 months since the Omagh bombing of August 15, 1998.
Accused of abandoning the bereaved, the council has revealed that its chief executive, Mr. John McKinney, is to meet with representatives of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group this week to discuss their concerns.
In a statement, the council said it was responsible for the establishment of the Omagh Fund and in doing so sought and acted on advice from an expert who had been involved in administering a disaster fund in England and on advising a number of other disaster funds based on his experience.
"Omagh District Council has no responsibility for the disbursement of monies from the Omagh Fund. This responsibility rests with the five independent trustees," it said.
Referring to the Omagh Memorial football matches, the council commented: "Omagh council set up a mechanism aimed at ensuring absolute transparency and accountability in relation to income and expenditure associated with the three matches organised by Omagh Town Football Club.
"This included the appointment of Mr. Brian Mellon, an independent accountant, on a voluntary capacity. It is understood that Mr. Mellon is currently preparing a financial report in relation to the three matches, and we await his findings. The council will consider the matter further on receipt of his report," the statement said.
In respect of the claims that the council had failed to erect a memorial to the victims of the Omagh bombing, the council said it had set up a working party, widely representative of the Omagh community, to consider and make recommendations on suitable commemorative proposals.
"The working party, which is chaired by the chief executive, reports to the council, and membership includes representatives of the bereaved and injured, including the chairman of the Self-Help and Support Group, Mr. Michael Gallagher.
"This body last met on Tuesday, February 22, when it was agreed that the views of an artist/sculptor on a suitable feature/memorial to be incorporated into the rebuilding of Market Street would be sought," the council said in its statement.
"This is currently in hand and the group will meet again in the next three to four weeks to review progress.
"The council will continue to act in a role of facilitator in taking forward suitable commemorative proposals and the bereaved and injured will continue to play a key role in the entire process," the council said.
Tackling the issue of the council's alleged failure to provide CCTV in the town centre, the council said the Omagh Business Forum had presented its proposals for CCTV to the council towards the end of last year.
"The council at that time agreed to provide financial assistance of £3,000 towards the cost of employing consultants to compete in a bid for funding from the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. The bid was unsuccessful.
"As a further endorsement of its commitment towards the regeneration of Omagh town centre, the council at its monthly meeting last night (Tuesday), agreed to contribute an additional £14,000 towards the re-imaging strategy for the town centre which will look at, amongst other things, the introduction of CCTV," the council statement said.
The statement finished by referring to criticism of the council's alleged failure to oust council member, Mr. Francis Mackey from the chamber.
"It said: "Omagh District Council has no statutory authority to expel councillor Mackey. Therefore he is legally entitled to serve the remainder of the current term (to May 2001] as an elected member of Omagh District Council."