Republican News · Thursday 15 August 2002

ger at new spytower in South Armagh

The British governments commitment in implementing the Good Friday Agreement in full and publishing a 'rolling programme on demilitarisation' has been well and truly scuppered, says the South Armagh Farmers and Residents Association. They were reacting to the erection of an additional spypost on top of Slievebracken Mountain, Forkhill on Tuesday evening, 13 July.

A number of British Army engineers and workmen have been sighted assembling the tower, after large consignments of building materials were airlifted at the weekend into the already extensive and imposing military base, constructed in the mid-1980s.

Locals have reacted angrily, stating that this has confirmed their worst fears, that the South Armagh area will continue to be used as a military training area for the British Army and flight engineers.

Meanwhile, in the Kiltybane area of South Armagh, a young couple and their two young children suffered severe shock on Monday evening when two helicopters flew at dangerously low levels over their home, landing and taking off, barely missing the rooftop. Extensive damage was caused to the external and internal structure of their home. The horrified mother watched on in dismay as roof and ridge tiles crashed to the ground. A building contractor has informed the homeowners that extensive damage has been caused to the roof, patio and internal doorways.

The SAFRC says it will be corresponding with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on this matter.