Bomb ‘shows need for police station’
THE discovery of a bomb in south Armagh has underlined the need to retain a local police station earmarked for closure, it has been claimed.
Newry and Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy made the comments yesterday after a device found in Keady was declared viable.
Several streets were closed, including Market Street and Main Street, and it is understood a number of homes were also evacuated after a telephoned bomb warning on Sunday night.
Army bomb experts were called and the suspect device was taken away for further examination. Dissident republicans are believed to be responsible.
“Clearly there are still people who are intent on causing death and mayhem and their actions are to be condemned,” said Mr Kennedy.
“Keady has suffered too much in previous years and I know the local community is determined to live in peace.
“I wish to thank the PSNI, Army and all those who were involved in Sunday’s operation for ensuring that the device was found and made safe.
“Keady PSNI station has been identified by the Policing Board as listed for closure. This development clearly indicates that such a move would be premature.”
DUP Assembly member William Irwin voiced his condemnation of the dissident republicans believed to be behind the device.
“Once again we have a situation where dissident republicans have put the lives of ordinary people at great risk and I am thankful that, given this device was viable, it did not explode and injure or kill anyone in the area,” said Mr Irwin.
“It was clearly designed as an attack on the local PSNI station and an attack on our hard-working PSNI officers.
“I would also ask for people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police immediately – with community assistance, those behind this terrorist activity can be taken off the streets,” the DUP MLA added.
Sinn Fein MLA for the area Cathal Boylan said the device cast more doubts over the viability of the police station in Keady.
“Once again the future of Keady barracks must be called into question following this incident,” said Mr Boylan.
“The barracks in Keady serves no function which could not be provided from Armagh, so I believe that now is the time to look at the permanent removal of the barracks which is nothing more than an eyesore in the village.”
Keady is one of 34 stations which could close as part of a savings plan by the PSNI.
