MOWLAN LAUNCHES RENEWAL INITIATIVE
Mowlam launches renewal initiative
MO MOWLAM joined around one hundred invited guests at Omagh District Council on Monday for the Launch of the Omagh Renewal and Beyond Initiative, at which the Chief Executive outlined plans for the physical restoration and economic development of Omagh.
Using visual aids, the Chief Executive gave a ten minute presentation. He said that the launch was a response to the events of the 15th of August. "That dreadful day that we must never forget".
The Secretary of State listened with interest as the Chief Executive outlined the steps to recovery. She praised the work that had been done and the imagination and fortitude of the people of the town, and said that the plan put people at its heart.
In his address, the Chief Executive said that the community in Omagh, the business people, the voluntary sector and the elected members, all agree that the town must go forward. "Omagh will have a place in peace we hope, and we hope Omagh will be the last that any society has to suffer."
He said that recovery had to deal with both the human and material aspects, and that the existing plans, programmes and initiatives must underpin the new and additional responses and that all sections and interests must have ownership of the project.
Continuing, he said the new programme must be seen to make a difference and acknowledged that task ahead was considerable and that those looking ahead must bear in mind the human dimension and the trauma to the people of the town. He went on to say that a large part of the town had been demolished and a rebuilding programme must now go ahead.
However, he stressed that any rebuilding must take place in a sensitive way, a way which reflects the desire and needs of the people of Omagh and also takes account of the tragedy on 15th of August.
Referring to the impact on businesses in the town, he said that traders had suffered and that on some occasions the town resembled a ghost town. Nevertheless, he added "We must rebuild and will rebuild, this initiative has given the focus to go forward."
In terms of renewal, he said that inward investment and help for local businesses was essential. "Omagh must not be remembered as the place of that dreadful bomb, it must be remembered as a town that moved forward."
The Chief Executive had earlier told Dr. Mowlam that funds, in excess of �44 million were required for the scheme. During the earlier meeting, Mr. McKinney had urged the Northern Ireland Office, to match any European funding that the Council may be able to attract.
Moving on the touch on the health care issue, he said that the Sperrin Lakeland Trust had made an application for additional funding in the aftermath of the tragedy and he asked the Secretary of State to look at that application sympathetically. "It is important that no Trust should have to suffer as a result of this."
As to the issue of rebuilding, he suggested that the redevelopment of Market Street could be looked at in conjunction with a riverside development plan. "We are not saying to you Secretary of State we want a bag of money, what we are saying is that we want your support to help us to more forward, to help us with all of these schemes we have."
He later made reference to the so-called Churches Project, a development plan for the triangular area between John Street, James Street, and Church Hill. He said that the Council had been working closely with the Department of the Environment and other agencies on the project and would like to see some progress in that project.
He said that infrastructure was of prime importance and welcomed the fact that substantial funding for roads had already been announced, and he touched briefly on other projects such as the advance factory, a community house and the proposed science park.
The Chairman of the Council concurred with the previous speaker and said the events of August 15th had necessitated partnership between government community and the business sector.
"This Council is confident that a strategic approach heralds a start to the long road to renewal."
Recognising the role of the Chief Executive he said that John McKinney had been instrumental in putting in place the initiative which focuses, in a sensitive way, on the need for rebuilding in an inclusive and holistic manner.
"As Chairman , I welcome the integrated approach adopted and can assure the Secretary of State of the Council's total commitment to renewing Omagh in partnership with the community - remembering the past but looking to the future.
Vice-Chairman, Allan Rainey, used a biblical reference to liken the task of rebuilding to that of building 'King Solomon's Mines' saying it would require skill, courage, patience, and trust. He concluded telling the Secretary of State that the people of Omagh trusted her sincerity and commitment.
Dr. Mowlam responded by saying "By concentrating on the personal needs of those affected by the bomb, and by rebuilding the devastated town centre, it represents a significant step in revitalising the local community. Omagh District Council is to be congratulated on this ambitious project, and I look forward to hearing of its results in due course."
MO MOWLAM joined around one hundred invited guests at Omagh District Council on Monday for the Launch of the Omagh Renewal and Beyond Initiative, at which the Chief Executive outlined plans for the physical restoration and economic development of Omagh.
Using visual aids, the Chief Executive gave a ten minute presentation. He said that the launch was a response to the events of the 15th of August. "That dreadful day that we must never forget".
The Secretary of State listened with interest as the Chief Executive outlined the steps to recovery. She praised the work that had been done and the imagination and fortitude of the people of the town, and said that the plan put people at its heart.
In his address, the Chief Executive said that the community in Omagh, the business people, the voluntary sector and the elected members, all agree that the town must go forward. "Omagh will have a place in peace we hope, and we hope Omagh will be the last that any society has to suffer."
He said that recovery had to deal with both the human and material aspects, and that the existing plans, programmes and initiatives must underpin the new and additional responses and that all sections and interests must have ownership of the project.
Continuing, he said the new programme must be seen to make a difference and acknowledged that task ahead was considerable and that those looking ahead must bear in mind the human dimension and the trauma to the people of the town. He went on to say that a large part of the town had been demolished and a rebuilding programme must now go ahead.
However, he stressed that any rebuilding must take place in a sensitive way, a way which reflects the desire and needs of the people of Omagh and also takes account of the tragedy on 15th of August.
Referring to the impact on businesses in the town, he said that traders had suffered and that on some occasions the town resembled a ghost town. Nevertheless, he added "We must rebuild and will rebuild, this initiative has given the focus to go forward."
In terms of renewal, he said that inward investment and help for local businesses was essential. "Omagh must not be remembered as the place of that dreadful bomb, it must be remembered as a town that moved forward."
The Chief Executive had earlier told Dr. Mowlam that funds, in excess of �44 million were required for the scheme. During the earlier meeting, Mr. McKinney had urged the Northern Ireland Office, to match any European funding that the Council may be able to attract.
Moving on the touch on the health care issue, he said that the Sperrin Lakeland Trust had made an application for additional funding in the aftermath of the tragedy and he asked the Secretary of State to look at that application sympathetically. "It is important that no Trust should have to suffer as a result of this."
As to the issue of rebuilding, he suggested that the redevelopment of Market Street could be looked at in conjunction with a riverside development plan. "We are not saying to you Secretary of State we want a bag of money, what we are saying is that we want your support to help us to more forward, to help us with all of these schemes we have."
He later made reference to the so-called Churches Project, a development plan for the triangular area between John Street, James Street, and Church Hill. He said that the Council had been working closely with the Department of the Environment and other agencies on the project and would like to see some progress in that project.
He said that infrastructure was of prime importance and welcomed the fact that substantial funding for roads had already been announced, and he touched briefly on other projects such as the advance factory, a community house and the proposed science park.
The Chairman of the Council concurred with the previous speaker and said the events of August 15th had necessitated partnership between government community and the business sector.
"This Council is confident that a strategic approach heralds a start to the long road to renewal."
Recognising the role of the Chief Executive he said that John McKinney had been instrumental in putting in place the initiative which focuses, in a sensitive way, on the need for rebuilding in an inclusive and holistic manner.
"As Chairman , I welcome the integrated approach adopted and can assure the Secretary of State of the Council's total commitment to renewing Omagh in partnership with the community - remembering the past but looking to the future.
Vice-Chairman, Allan Rainey, used a biblical reference to liken the task of rebuilding to that of building 'King Solomon's Mines' saying it would require skill, courage, patience, and trust. He concluded telling the Secretary of State that the people of Omagh trusted her sincerity and commitment.
Dr. Mowlam responded by saying "By concentrating on the personal needs of those affected by the bomb, and by rebuilding the devastated town centre, it represents a significant step in revitalising the local community. Omagh District Council is to be congratulated on this ambitious project, and I look forward to hearing of its results in due course."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1178
Published Date: 08-Oct-98
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.