OMAGH FAMILIES FEAR MONUMENT WILL NEVER AGAIN SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY
Omagh families fear monument will never again see 'the light of day'
by Emma Stewart
While Omagh District Council prepares to forge ahead with the redevelopment of the memorial garden in the town, bereaved families have expressed fears that plans to remove the current monument will result in its never 'seeing the light of day' again.
Work, due to commence shortly, ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 1998 atrocity, has necessitated the removal of any 'personal items or mementos' from the site, as well as the memorial stone itself, which is to be 'placed in secure storage'.
The existing plinth bears the wording - "To honour and remember the 31 people murdered and hundreds injured from three nations, by a dissident Republican terrorist car bomb".
Concerned by the plans, Michael Gallagher, whose son was murdered in the August 15 attack, has expressed grave reservations at the council's true intent, citing their unhappiness at the inscription.
"To the best of our knowledge there has never been any problem with the plinth and the wording from within the community, but we now fear that it will never be returned.
"The families are concerned, and have already offered to remove it ourselves and store it securely, ready for return to a mutually agreed location when the garden is finished. This has been refused as an option."
A statement from the council notes that a report from the Independent Facilitation Team will form the 'context' within which a decision on the monument's future will be made.
Mr Gallagher continued: "This is clearly just some sort of pretext by which they [Omagh District Council] can get rid of it - the wording doesn't suit them."
A spokesperson for the council said: "Plans are progressing to deliver the Omagh Bomb Memorial, 'Garden of Light', in time for the 10th anniversary on 15 August, 2008.
"A contractor has now been appointed to undertake the site works at the garden and to install the glass pillar at Market Street. It is expected that the site works will commence during February. However, before this work can take place it will be necessary to close the existing temporary memorial garden with effect from Monday, February 4, 2008."
The statement continues: "The nature and location of any narrative for the Omagh Memorial is currently being considered by the Independent Facilitation Team, chaired by the Rev Dr John Dunlop, who are still engaging in meetings with those affected by the Omagh bomb.
"The report and recommendations of the Independent Facilitation Team, which will be taken in consideration of the views and opinions conveyed by all of those who participated in the process, is expected at the end of February 2008. A decision as to the future location of the memorial stone will be taken in the context of their report."
by Emma Stewart
While Omagh District Council prepares to forge ahead with the redevelopment of the memorial garden in the town, bereaved families have expressed fears that plans to remove the current monument will result in its never 'seeing the light of day' again.
Work, due to commence shortly, ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 1998 atrocity, has necessitated the removal of any 'personal items or mementos' from the site, as well as the memorial stone itself, which is to be 'placed in secure storage'.
The existing plinth bears the wording - "To honour and remember the 31 people murdered and hundreds injured from three nations, by a dissident Republican terrorist car bomb".
Concerned by the plans, Michael Gallagher, whose son was murdered in the August 15 attack, has expressed grave reservations at the council's true intent, citing their unhappiness at the inscription.
"To the best of our knowledge there has never been any problem with the plinth and the wording from within the community, but we now fear that it will never be returned.
"The families are concerned, and have already offered to remove it ourselves and store it securely, ready for return to a mutually agreed location when the garden is finished. This has been refused as an option."
A statement from the council notes that a report from the Independent Facilitation Team will form the 'context' within which a decision on the monument's future will be made.
Mr Gallagher continued: "This is clearly just some sort of pretext by which they [Omagh District Council] can get rid of it - the wording doesn't suit them."
A spokesperson for the council said: "Plans are progressing to deliver the Omagh Bomb Memorial, 'Garden of Light', in time for the 10th anniversary on 15 August, 2008.
"A contractor has now been appointed to undertake the site works at the garden and to install the glass pillar at Market Street. It is expected that the site works will commence during February. However, before this work can take place it will be necessary to close the existing temporary memorial garden with effect from Monday, February 4, 2008."
The statement continues: "The nature and location of any narrative for the Omagh Memorial is currently being considered by the Independent Facilitation Team, chaired by the Rev Dr John Dunlop, who are still engaging in meetings with those affected by the Omagh bomb.
"The report and recommendations of the Independent Facilitation Team, which will be taken in consideration of the views and opinions conveyed by all of those who participated in the process, is expected at the end of February 2008. A decision as to the future location of the memorial stone will be taken in the context of their report."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1914
Published Date: 31-Jan-08
Related Images
