Robinson and McGuinness announce MLK development

First Minister Rt. Hon Peter Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have outlined their plans for the future development of the Maze/Long Kesh site.

The Ministers will table a motion in the Assembly at the earliest possible opportunity to debate the draft Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites (Maze/ Long Kesh Development Corporation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2010.

If approved by the Assembly the Development Corporation will be constituted on the commencement of the Order and be operational within six months of the Assembly decision. The Corporation will oversee the opening and redevelopment of the site including the construction of a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution facility.

Mr McGuinness said: “The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister will shortly submit an EU funding application for a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Facility on the site. It is anticipated that the centre will be a world class facility of international importance designed to strengthen our peace building expertise and to share our experiences with others throughout the world.

“The Corporation will drive forward the development of the site and it is believed that the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society will relocate to the site during the first phase of the redevelopment.”

Mr Robinson said: “The constitution of a Development Corporation for this strategically important Maze/Long Kesh site will enable us to realise the full economic potential of the site. The site represents a unique opportunity to help revive our economic output in these difficult times.

“The Development of the Maze/Long Kesh site is hugely significant not only in terms of Northern Ireland but for Europe as a whole. The site, which is some 360 acres, could potentially create some 6,000 jobs, securing the construction industry in Northern Ireland for years to come. This announcement represents agreement on another one of the outstanding issues facing the Executive, and as indicated at Hillsborough, we have been working to reduce the number of outstanding Executive papers."

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