His comments come as the debate on the future of the Lisburn site is back in the headlines, after it emerged that National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI) has discussed what role it could play in the “interpretation of and access to” the prison buildings with the body managing the site. The Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Robbie Butler says the redevelopment of the site is long overdue. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
The infamous H Blocks housed some of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous prisoners during the Troubles, and was the site of the IRA hunger strikes and dirty protests. Convicted IRA man Bobby Sands – who was elected as an MP during his incarceration – died in the prison after refusing food in a bid to secure political status. The Executive Office says that “no decisions have yet been made” about the site’s future – saying that it has “huge potential”.
Any proposals for redeveloping the site will need approval from the First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Earlier this year the DUP said it remains committed to developing the economic potential of the former Maze prison site, but would continue to oppose any proposals that would “glorify” the terrorists who once occupied it. The involvement of NMNI – which has already been entrusted with telling the story of the Tro.
