Regeneration plan for watchtower
The site of a former Army watchtower which became a symbol of the Northern Ireland Troubles is to be replaced by developments including a children’s playground, it has been revealed.
The hilltop base at Forkhill in South Armagh was one of a series of military posts which dominated the rolling skyline of what visiting troops dubbed Bandit Country.
The network of barracks, linked by constant helicopter traffic for fear of IRA attack on the area’s roads, has been dismantled as part of the peace process.
But now a minister in the power-sharing government at Stormont said ambitious redevelopment plans will see the Forkhill site returned to the community that had once lived in its shadow.
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood announced a major regeneration project for the eight-acre hilltop site.
“In anticipation of acquiring the Forkhill ex-military site, my department had already carried out some initial master planning work. This means we are now in a position to move forward quickly with the regeneration,” he said.
The confirmation of his department’s acquisition of the area and the completion of an economic appraisal meant that plans drawn-up in conjunction with the local community could now be turned into a reality.
“The main elements of the regeneration could include up to 20 houses, community leisure and recreational facilities, a creche and a play park and customised economic infrastructure including enterprise units,” said the minister.
“There is also scope for a health and welfare facility. It will be all about jobs, homes and wellbeing – although we will consult closely with the local community before these elements are finalised.”
Mr Attwood said the announcement was a “great day for Forkhill and the surrounding area”.
