New future for British base

A former British military base in south Armagh is to be transformed into a housing development, leisure centre and play park.

Plans are underway to develop the eight-acre site in Forkhill. Residents living close to the base have campaigned for years for the land to be given back to the community and now it has been announced that 20 houses, a creche, recreational facilities and a health and welfare facility could all be built at the former base.

“It will be all about jobs, homes and wellbeing -- although we will consult closely with the local community before these elements are finalised,” social development minister Alex Attwood said.

“Forkhill and south Armagh has suffered enormously throughout the Troubles and it is very satisfying to be able to announce a regeneration that will boost the village and the local economy.”

Rural development minister Michelle Gildernew, whose department purchased the land, also said the redevelopment would “breathe new life into the heart of Forkhill”.

“The fact that it is an ex-military site being redeveloped is a clear sign that the local community is moving forward from the past towards a brighter future,” she said.

REMAINS FOUND

A body believed to be that of Gerry Evans, one of the “disappeared”, has been located in a bog in County Louth - just after it was announced the search for the missing man was ending.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains confirmed on Friday that remains were found at Carrickrobin in County Louth after a detailed 16-month search.

Following a last-ditch public appeal, it is understood the commission was contacted and provided with information which led to the discovery. The Sunday Tribune newspaper in Dublin said an individual had been in contact with the newspaper to pass on key information on the remains.

Although the IRA has consistently denied involvement in his disappearance, the newspaper said the individual had defended the killing as a justified IRA execution.

If the remains found yesterday are confirmed as those of Mr Evans, it will mean the commission has now found eight of the 16 disappeared that are on its list.

Urgent Appeal