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18/06/2013
Attwood Apologises Over IRA Victims Memorial Letter
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has apologised publicly after the Department of the Environment sent a letter requesting the removal of a memorial to IRA murder victims.
The County Armagh memorial is in memory of the ten Protestant workmen who were murdered by the IRA in the 1976 Kingsmills massacre.
Alex Attwood told the BBC's Talkback programme he wanted to apologise and said the letter should not have been sent.
"When it comes to memorials, I make it very clear the matter should be referred to me," the Minister told the BBC.
"That letter should not have been issued. How the Planning System went off and issued a letter is beyond me. I am not happy."
DUP Newry and Armagh MLA William Irwin said: "The great bulk of people throughout the community will be astounded by this action. I would urge the Minister, Alex Attwood, to demand answers from his civil servants responsible for sending out this enforcement notice.
"Firstly, did his officials initiate this process? If not, from whom did the complaint about the Kingsmills Memorial come from? (sic) Secondly, did his officials advise the owner of the land that retrospective planning approval could be sought for the memorial? If not, why not?
"I will be making representations to the DoE Minister on behalf of the victims. I’ll be seeking to have this memorial granted retrospective approval. No one condones planning laws being breached. This is a very unique case and should be considered as such. Common-sense should prevail."
(IT/CD)
The County Armagh memorial is in memory of the ten Protestant workmen who were murdered by the IRA in the 1976 Kingsmills massacre.
Alex Attwood told the BBC's Talkback programme he wanted to apologise and said the letter should not have been sent.
"When it comes to memorials, I make it very clear the matter should be referred to me," the Minister told the BBC.
"That letter should not have been issued. How the Planning System went off and issued a letter is beyond me. I am not happy."
DUP Newry and Armagh MLA William Irwin said: "The great bulk of people throughout the community will be astounded by this action. I would urge the Minister, Alex Attwood, to demand answers from his civil servants responsible for sending out this enforcement notice.
"Firstly, did his officials initiate this process? If not, from whom did the complaint about the Kingsmills Memorial come from? (sic) Secondly, did his officials advise the owner of the land that retrospective planning approval could be sought for the memorial? If not, why not?
"I will be making representations to the DoE Minister on behalf of the victims. I’ll be seeking to have this memorial granted retrospective approval. No one condones planning laws being breached. This is a very unique case and should be considered as such. Common-sense should prevail."
(IT/CD)
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