First Minister Michelle O'Neill has stated that the future of the former Maze Prison site is "very much a live issue" and expressed her desire for political consensus to move forward with its development.
Political Stalemate Over Derelict Jail
For decades, political leaders have been unable to agree on a plan for the derelict jail, which once held paramilitary inmates, including ten republican hunger strikers who died in 1981/82. The prison officially closed in 2000, and while most buildings have been demolished, the H block and former hospital wing have been preserved.
Some development has occurred on the 347-acre site near Lisburn, with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society becoming an anchor tenant and hosting the annual Balmoral Show there. However, a comprehensive regeneration plan remains elusive.
O'Neill's Commitment
Speaking during questions for the Executive Office in the Assembly on Monday, Ms O'Neill said she "hasn't given up" on finding an agreement. Responding to a query from Alliance MLA Michelle Guy, O'Neill said she and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly are "committed to working with the Maze Long Kesh Board to maximise these opportunities for the benefit of all."
The First Minister acknowledged that progress would require "consensus and sensitivity." She stated, "We are considered advice from officials on short to medium term priorities and options for the board. Discussions are ongoing at an official level, and over the coming weeks, we expect to receive further input to help frame our consideration of the way forward."
Ms Guy noted that O'Neill last met with the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation board in July 2024. O'Neill responded that she will meet with the board "in the very near future."
"There needs to be a political agreement in which to move this site forward, and I want that," O'Neill said. "I do think that we can strike the right balance in terms of having the historical and the economic and the social inclusion aspects of the site all delivered upon, but that requires political will across all and unfortunately, that's not there. But that's not to say that I accept that, or I give up on that, because I'm going to continue to try to move this forward."
O'Neill emphasised that there are ways to develop the site that are "respectful, dignified, that preserves the historical nature of the site," while also providing economic opportunities. "So I hope that we can get to that juncture," she added. "It's been a long time in the making, but I want to commend the people in the board for keeping things in a state of readiness. But clearly, what we need here is a political agreement in which to step forward and actually develop the site."
