West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin challenges DSD Minister on Andersonstown Barracks site.

Published: 7 October, 2009

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams met with Department for Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie on Tuesday to discuss the future of the site of the former Andersonstown RUC barracks.

Sinn Féin has been pressing the DSD Minister, in keeping with the expressed views of local residents, for the site to be set aside for public, community or social use. The Sinn Féin President was joined by local Assembly member Paul Maskey who has been working with local residents on this issue.

Mr. Adams said: "Sinn Féin and the local community successfully campaigned for the demolition of the Andersonstown barracks. The overwhelming view of local residents is that the land should be made available for a sustainable public, social or community use.

''Since 2006, the Department of Social Development has had responsibility for this site. In 2007 the Minister chose a commercial development by the Carvill Group including a 5 storey apartment block for the site which was vigorously opposed by local citizens.

''In our discussions with the Minister, she and her officials told us that DSD's preferred option now is for the site to be developed as an Expo Centre. We were told that would also involve a social and public dimension for community or regeneration offices, as well as the possibility of facilities for children and the elderly.

''However, there was no detail in the outline DSD gave about what services or facilities would be included. Sinn Féin told the Minister that the approach of the Department towards the barracks site is wrong and damaging to community confidence in her department. Sinn Féin is proposing a change of approach.

Firstly, the Minister told us that she accepts the importance of community involvement. On that basis DSD should engage with the local community now before producing propositions.

Secondly, the Department is arguing that until an overall masterplan is developed for the whole of Andersonstown it will not progress work on the barracks site.

''This is illogical and out of step with government policy.

''There is already an overall plan for West Belfast in the Programme for Government: that is the West Belfast Task Force report. It needs to be consolidated and implemented.

''Thirdly, local investment in the lower Andersonstown area is already being moved apace with Sainsbury's increasing local employment and other building projects including a new Healthy Living Centre already on site. All of those projects are being progressed in conjunction with the local community.

''There is no reason why the development of the barracks site - which has been deadlocked for three years now - cannot be progressed in the same way.''