HC Deb 27 March 1979 vol 965 c168W
Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he proposes to re-open the industrial training centre which was recently burnt down at the Whiterock Road, West Belfast.

Mr. Concannon,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 23 March 1979; Vol. 964, c. 792], gave the following information:

The temporary Government training centre at Whiterock has been extensively damaged by fire and subsequently vandalised beyond repair in the latest series of the more than 60 incidents resulting in damage which have occurred over the five and a half years of its existence.

The integrated work force unit situated beside the Government training centre was also severely damaged during the weekend of 10–11 March. Repairs were effected immediately and training was scheduled to recommence on 20 March. A further attack on the weekend 17–18 March made it completely unusable again.

The extent of damage to both the training centre and the integrated work force unit is currently being assessed, but it is too early to decide whether the facilities can be re-established and maintained.

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