Inquiry into IRA monument
A PLANNING Service inquiry could see the removal of a monument to the IRA hunger strikers, it has emerged.
It has been revealed that the memorial – built in the village of Newtownbutler in recent weeks – had not been granted planning permission.
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott welcomed the investigation, and called for those behind the monument to be penalised.
“As soon as I was informed about the erection of the monument in Newtownbutler, I made inquires about the land to discover who owned it and if permission had been granted,” said Mr Elliott.
“Housing Executive confirmed that they owned the property while Planning Service confirmed that no planning application had been received.”
A spokesperson for the Planning Service confirmed that an application “had not been received, to date” for the monument.
“Planning Service can confirm that they are investigating an alleged breach of Planning Control in the Galloon Gardens area of Newtownbutler,” said the spokesperson.
