Maze Development Corporation welcomed

Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey has welcomed OFMdFM's announcement of the creation of a Maze Development Corporation but questioned involving the Corporation with the proposed Conflict Resolution Facility on the site of the former prison.

Sir Reg said, "I have been calling for the creation of a Maze Development Corporation for the past 2 years. It is a tried and tested model of delivering development and regeneration. It is a pity that it has taken the First and deputy First Ministers so long to reach this point - 3 1/2 years have been wasted before this point has been reached. That said, I welcome the fact that the First and deputy First Ministers have now eventually come to a decision.

"The issue of the Conflict Resolution Facility is, however, somewhat different. I would be worried that the work of the Development Corporation will be overshadowed by the sensitivities surrounding locating the Facility in a former prison which symbolises much of the pain and division Northern Ireland experienced during the Troubles. The prison is regarded very differently by different political traditions - it would be a shame for the Facility itself to become a symbol of division.

"Considering that recent months have demonstrated how deeply divided Northern Ireland is over the past, I would have preferred the issue of the Conflict Resolution Facility to have been parked for the time being.

"Progress on the Development Corporation is welcome - but long overdue. It is now up to First and deputy First Ministers to ensure that the dithering and delays of the past 3 1/2 years are not repeated".