Security Situation

HC Deb 12 June 2000 vol 351 cc491-2W

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken in the last month to reduce the security presence consistent with the level of threat; and what steps will be taken in the next 12 months. [123060]

Mr. Ingram

In light of the lowering of the overall threat following the recent statement by the IRA, the Chief Constable announced on 9 May that the following steps would be taken as soon as logistically possible, with work to commence within weeksDemolition of the Cookstown base Vacation of Fort George Army Base and return of the land to the Londonderry Harbour Commissioners Demolition of the Cloghogue observation base in South Armagh; and Vacation of the observation posts at Broadway and Templer House in Belfast.

He also announced that, subject to a continuing reduction in the level of threat, these steps would be followed within three months by demolition of the observation sangar overlooking the square in Crossmaglen. A further review of possible normalisation steps would be conducted in three months' time in the light of the security threat prevailing at the time and the circumstances on the ground.