Sinn Fein Oppose Council Sale Of Raymond McCreesh Park

Sinn Fein has revealed it's plans to challenge a council decision to sell the controversial Raymond McCreesh Park in Ballybot, Newry.

The announcement follows last week's notice that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will soon be disposing of the park, which has sparked controversy since it was renamed in tribute to Raymond McCreesh, who was an IRA man, in 2001.

Unionist and IRA victims have repeatedly called for the park to be renamed.

The council carried out a report into play park provision in the area and reached the decision to dispose of the park and replace it with a new park nearby.

Sinn Fein has responded with an announcement that it will challenge the decision through a 'call-in' procedure. This allows councillors to request that an issue be reassessed if they feel it was not handled correctly, or could have an adverse impact on the community.

Newry Sinn Fein councillor Liz Kimmins said the party hopes for a community consultation on the issue.

"The council decision to dispose of Raymond McCreesh Park without community consultation is against the wishes of local residents in the Barcroft and Ballybot areas," Councillor Kimmins said.

"At last Monday's meeting Sinn Fein opposed the disposal based on concerns raised by local residents and community groups and proposed a full community consultation.

"This was rejected by the SDLP and unionist parties which is hardly surprising given that they have always wished to remove the name of Raymond McCreesh Park."

Councillor Kimmins highlighted that ten play parks in the area have been declared as surplus assets by the council, but Rayond McCreesh Park is the only one set for disposal.

The park has been the subject of much scrutiny due to it's name and Mr McCreesh's convictions that date back to Northern Ireland's conflict. These include attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of firearms with intent to endanger life and IRA membership.

In April of this year a banner was hung in the park declaring Mr McCreesh "our hero".

(JG/MH)