Major restoration work to begin on historic war memorials

Specialist contractors have been appointed to carry out major restoration work on four historic war memorials across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

Conservation specialists Irish Stone will restore and carry out essential maintenance work at the memorials in The Diamond in Londonderry city centre, Castlederg, Sion Mills and Strabane.

The project is being funded through the PEACE Plus Programme, with support from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Irish Stone will work alongside Consarc Conservation Architects, which will provide specialist advice to ensure restoration is carried out to recognised conservation standards and protects the monuments for future generations.

Work to restore the war memorials is due to begin on Monday and is expected to take about three months to complete.

The restoration programme will include specialist stone repointing, conservation of bronze features, cleaning, painting, landscaping improvements and enhanced accessibility measures designed to make the memorials more accessible to all members of the community.

In addition to the physical restoration works, the project includes a cross-community outreach programme involving local schools, community groups and organisations from across the district.

The initiative, delivered by Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID), the North West Cultural Partnership and Creggan Enterprises, will encourage participants to explore the historical significance of the memorials, examine shared heritage and engage in discussions around remembrance, peace and reconciliation.

Karen Phillips, director of environment and regeneration at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the project was about preserving both heritage and community connections.

"We are delighted to appoint Irish Stone to deliver this important restoration and maintenance project across four significant war memorial sites within our district, with the support and expertise of Consarc Conservation Architects," Phillips said.

"These memorials hold considerable historical, cultural and community value and this investment will ensure they are carefully conserved and enhanced for future generations.

"The project is about much more than the restoration of physical structures.

"Through the accompanying outreach programme, we are bringing together schools, community organisations and local groups from across the district to explore our shared heritage and deepen understanding of the histories and experiences that have shaped our communities."

Phillips added that the initiative reflects the council's commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation while creating welcoming and inclusive shared spaces.

In a statement on social media on Friday, the Waterside Branch of the Royal British Legion said that when completed, the restored memorial will serve as "a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of all those citizens from our council area who gave their lives, while providing a place where future generations can reflect, remember and honour their legacy".

The Royal British Legion said they hoped the work would be completed in time for the planned November Remembrance commemorations.

DUP Foyle assembly member Julie Middleton welcomed the announcement that refurbishment work on the War Memorial at The Diamond is set to get underway.

Middleton said the project will help ensure the memorial in The Diamond continues to be maintained as a place of remembrance and respect.