OMAGH BOMB MEMORIAL PUT ON PUBLIC DISPLAY
Omagh bomb memorial put on public display
BY CIARAN WOODS
THE proposals for a fitting memorial to the victims of the 1998 Omagh Bomb have been revealed and have gone on display for public consultation.
The shortlisted designs for the memorial, which is hoped will be in place for the 10th anniversary in August next year, went on display at the Strule Arts Centre on Friday, and will remain on public consultation until Friday July 27, with members of the public and other interested parties encouraged to submit their views and recommendations on the proposals.
The council has said that following the exhibition, the design teams will present their proposals to the Panel of Assessors who will then be tasked with selecting the most appropriate memorial design. The panel's decision will be made on the basis of what they have called "pre-established criteria," including the extent to which the proposal integrates the bomb site and the memorial garden, as well as the overall artistic quality of the proposal. The panel will also give consideration to the potential of the proposal to promote healing and reflection and to make an impact with members of the public.
Once the Assessment Panel has made a recommendation, it will then be considered by the Omagh Memorial Working Group, which will also be tasked with considering options for an appropriate inscription following which a report will be presented to Omagh Council.
The Working Group has been keen to emphasise that no form of words for the inscription has either been agreed or rejected, instead encouraging all those involved in the process "to work to take this matter forward in an open-minded, inclusive and constructive manner so that, ultimately, the memorial will be one which is valued and cherished by the whole community." The successful design expected to be commissioned in September, at which point motions will be made to obtain the various statutory approvals before construction can begin.
BY CIARAN WOODS
THE proposals for a fitting memorial to the victims of the 1998 Omagh Bomb have been revealed and have gone on display for public consultation.
The shortlisted designs for the memorial, which is hoped will be in place for the 10th anniversary in August next year, went on display at the Strule Arts Centre on Friday, and will remain on public consultation until Friday July 27, with members of the public and other interested parties encouraged to submit their views and recommendations on the proposals.
The council has said that following the exhibition, the design teams will present their proposals to the Panel of Assessors who will then be tasked with selecting the most appropriate memorial design. The panel's decision will be made on the basis of what they have called "pre-established criteria," including the extent to which the proposal integrates the bomb site and the memorial garden, as well as the overall artistic quality of the proposal. The panel will also give consideration to the potential of the proposal to promote healing and reflection and to make an impact with members of the public.
Once the Assessment Panel has made a recommendation, it will then be considered by the Omagh Memorial Working Group, which will also be tasked with considering options for an appropriate inscription following which a report will be presented to Omagh Council.
The Working Group has been keen to emphasise that no form of words for the inscription has either been agreed or rejected, instead encouraging all those involved in the process "to work to take this matter forward in an open-minded, inclusive and constructive manner so that, ultimately, the memorial will be one which is valued and cherished by the whole community." The successful design expected to be commissioned in September, at which point motions will be made to obtain the various statutory approvals before construction can begin.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE HERALD
Ref: TYH/054
Published Date: 09-Jul-07
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