Two NI army bases to close on 'normalisation'

Two army bases in Northern Ireland are to close in what PSNI Chief Constable, Hugh Orde described as "part of the 'normalisation' process".

Making the announcement, in conjunction with the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland, Lieutenant General Philip Trousdell, Mr Orde confirmed that the military base at Aughnacloy is to be vacated and demolished, and that Clooney military base, in Londonderry, will be closed and sold.

Clooney base is to be offered to the Northern Ireland administration through the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister.

Commenting on the decision, the Chief Constable said: "This is a joint decision which has been taken by the Army and the Police Service after careful consideration. It is essentially prudent housekeeping and we believe that it will allow for the most efficient use of military resources.

"We consider that the Aughnacloy military base is no longer needed although the adjacent police station will remain. The closure of Clooney is a consequence of the closure of Ebrington Barracks, and the relocation of the headquarters of 8 Infantry Brigade to Ballykelly, at the end of last year."

However, DUP leader Dr Ian Paisley said he was "completely and utterly appalled" to hear of the decision.

"This decision makes absolutely no sense whatsoever," the North Antrim MP said. " Only last week, a bomb had to be defused at Shackelton barracks in Londonderry yet the Government see fit to close a military installation in the same city.

Dr Paisley questioned why the Government was "prematurely scaling down the security infrastructure". He said: "Back in November of last year, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton called the threat from so-called dissident republican terrorist organisations 'very real'".

Dr Paisley confirmed his party would be demanding a meeting with the Secretary of State, Paul Murphy and the Security Minister, Jane Kennedy to discuss the decision.

(MB)