A Portadown peace line that has been standing for 27 years has been successfully removed by the Department of Justice (DoJ) with local agreement.
When justice functions were devolved to the Assembly in 2010, there were 59 recognised interface security structures transferred from the NIO to Stormont, a third of which have been removed, a third reduced and a third remain a “work in progress”.
Under the ‘Together: building a united community’ (T:buc) Strategy, the DoJ-led Interfaces Programme worked with the local community and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council to remove the three-metres-tall metal structure at Water Street, Portadown.
Contractors remove the interface at Water Street, Portadown. Picture: Michael Cooper
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Removing these physical barriers makes a positive contribution to building a truly shared society in Northern Ireland.
“Significant collaboration has been going on behind the scenes and I commend the local community for supporting this significant step forward.”
Community and residents’ groups which have been extensively involved in the process for years have supported the progress.
Drumcree Community Trust said it “welcomes the removal of the Water Street interface and looks forward to the regeneration of the area”.
Obins Street and Park Road Community Association, also welcoming the removal, said: “We, along with others from within the community, have been working tirelessly for some years and are excited, given the proposed redevelopment of Water Street — an area that has been lying derelict for many years.”
Contractors remove the interface at Water Street, Portadown. Picture: Michael Cooper
A spokesperson for Parkmount Orange Lodge added: “After consultation with lodge representatives, we welcome the redevelopment of the Water Street area and look forward to all sections of our community receiving further redevelopment and much needed investment.”
Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy added: “The removal of this interface barrier at Water Street is the culmination of extensive work and community consultation, and council would like to pay tribute to all community representatives who gave their time so freely and tirelessly.
“This is also an important step in the regeneration of this area and we are hopeful for what the future may bring for local residents.”
A developer is planning to regenerate and redevelop the derelict site.