Controversial decision on PSNI barracks

Last week's news that the infamous Andersonstown PSNI base in West Belfast is to be put on part-time opening hours has been met with scepticism by local people, whose lives have been dominated by the base for years.

Reacting to the news, announced on Thursday 22 January, spokesperson for Coiste na nIarchimí, Caoimhín MacGiolla Mhín, accused the PSNI of foot dragging over the future of the site.

Coiste, the republican ex-prisoners' network, has earmarked the site of the PSNI barracks for new accommodation for international backpackers as part of its political tourism initiative.

MacGiolla Mhín said the barracks should be closed permanently, as there is no point for the site to remain open. "What purpose will this site serve on a part-time basis? he asked. "Is it to be used as a car park for PSNI vehicles or is the fact that the base is being used to keep people constantly under electronic surveillance the real reason for the PSNI to retain the site?"

He said the site should be given back to the local community as it could pave the way for enormous economic, employment, cultural and social development.

"Even though thousands of tourists do travel around West Belfast, very few actually stay in the area and a backpackers' hostel would provide much needed income for the community as a whole".

Sinn Féin Assembly member Michael Ferguson described the barracks as an eyesore and said it is a constant reminder for the people of West Belfast of the sectarian nature of policing and of state collusion.