Concerns raised over deteriorating condition of St Lucia Barracks

FORMER West Tyrone Ulster Unionist MLA, Ross Hussey, has called for urgent action to address the deteriorating condition of the historic St Lucia Barracks in Omagh.

Mr Hussey, a key advocate for the conservation of the site during his time at Stormont and as an Omagh councillor, expressed disappointment in the ‘lack of interest’ from local authorities, and says that the condition of the building needs to be examined before it worsens even further.

“I have often referred to the barracks as ‘the jewel in Omagh’s crown’ but it is quite apparent that our local council, the Department for Communities, the Historic Environment Department and the Ministry of Defence have no interest in maintaining these buildings,” he stated.

“They are allowing these buildings to deteriorate to a point whereby they might not be financially viable to maintain so the listing can be removed and this magnificent barracks and the history associated with this town would be gone in an instant.

“When a councillor on Omagh District Council, I fought for these buildings to be brought into public ownership.”

Mr Hussey said that the unique history of the barracks was being allowed to be ‘taken over’ by weeds, damp and decay.

“Enough is enough! What action will Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, The Department for Communities, the Ministry of Defence, the MLAs of West Tyrone and the Omagh-based councillors take to push the maintenance of these buildings, to produce a plan that will be actioned and not just sit gathering dust,” he added.