Ford welcomes removal of north Belfast interface structure
Date published:
Justice Minister David Ford has welcomed the commencement of work by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to remove a long standing interface structure at a residential area in north Belfast.
Located on the Crumlin Road, an eight foot wall built in front of Ardoyne homes will be removed and replaced with decorative railings and environmental improvements.
David Ford said: “ I acknowledge the considerable work done, over a long period, by community representatives in Ardoyne, in partnership with the Housing Executive, International Fund for Ireland and statutory bodies such as the PSNI and Department of Justice in building community confidence to the point where they no longer wish to live behind such a barrier.”
Recognising the complexities of removing structures which many still see as a preventative measure against potential violence, the Minister said “I do not underestimate the fear felt by many people who live at or near interface areas. For some, these structures have been in place for so long now that they are accepted as part of the infrastructure. However, we know the damaging impact such structures have, including on the health and wellbeing, and economic and social renewal in the areas they are located. Many residents on the Crumlin Road have taken the first step towards building a better life for themselves and their families. To assist them and others in the same position, my Department has recently established a cross Departmental Interface Programme Board to deliver the Government’s commitment to removing interfaces. This Programme Board will provide the capability of addressing physical, community, economic and social renewal appropriate to each particular area.”
Notes to editors:
1. Government has four strategic commitments to removing interface barriers:
- Programme for Government 68 – to actively seek local agreement to reduce the number of peace walls;
- Community Safety Strategy 2012-2017 – to seek agreement with local communities to reduce the number of interface structures;
- TBUC – to create a 10-year Programme to reduce, and remove by 2023, all interface barriers and create a support package; and
- Fresh Start – to contribute to the conditions that will allow the removal of peace walls and the creation of a shared future through delivery of confidence and relationship building measures.
2. Responsibility for delivery of these commitments sits within the Department of Justice (DOJ) though it is recognised cross-departmental and joint statutory body working is necessary in order to address social and economic challenges required to facilitate creating the conditions to removing interfaces.
3. The Department of Justice recently established a cross Departmental Interface Programme Board to deliver the Government’s commitment to removing interfaces.
4. . All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 0769 971 5440 and your call will be returned.