Former Omagh military base could be sold within nine months

A LONG-awaited sale of the historic St Lucia Barracks in Omagh is finally moving forward, with the Infrastructure Minister announcing a six-to-nine month timeline to complete the disposal process.

The site, which has stood vacant since the British Army withdrew in 2007, is being positioned as a key asset for the regeneration of Omagh.

Built in 1881, the barracks originally served as a base for the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers until 1959 and remained in military use until it was decommissioned 18 years ago.

Since then, the site has remained derelict, with security costs reaching an estimated £40,000 per year as of 2022.

Responding to a Stormont question from West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed that her department has begun the disposal process and aims to finalise the sale within six to nine months.

“The site will be advertised either as a single lot covering the entire grounds, or as two separate lots – one for the Historic Core and one for the remainder of the land,” Ms Kimmins said. “This will follow the standard process used for surplus public sector land.”

Mr McCrossan welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant step forward after years of inaction.

“For the first time, we now have a clear timeline for the sale of this site,” he said. “I’ve asked the Minister when a final decision will be made on whether it will be sold in one or two lots, but this is real progress.”

He added, “St Lucia Barracks closed in 2007. We’re now 18 years on, but hopefully this marks a turning point and the beginning of a new chapter for Omagh.”

The barracks site is widely viewed as a prime location for redevelopment, and its sale is expected to play a central role in revitalising the town centre.