Menu
12/02/2004
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
