(Irish News)

SDLP leader Mark Durkan yesterday (Tuesday) made a fresh plea for demilitarisation during a visit to Girdwood army barracks on Belfast's Crumlin Road.

North Belfast SDLP assembly member Alban Maginness said the base's 20 acre site had "enormous potential for satisfying the chronic housing need" in his constituency as part of what Mr Durkan called the "normalisation dividend".

"We believe that the people of north Belfast would benefit greatly from the closure of Girdwood Barracks and the return of the land there to the local community," Mr Durkan said.

"As part of the process of moving from conflict to peace, it is essential that land and buildings used by the British army be put to use for all of the community."

Mr Durkan said it was vital for communities and government to work together "to decide how old installations can be put to the best use for everyone".

Another north Belfast landmark, Crumlin Road prison, should also undergo "imaginative community development through a local partnership approach", Mr Durkan said.

Mr Maginness said the demilitarisation of Girdwood was "a top priority" for his party, as it would help satisfy the need for housing in north Belfast.

"It will also provide much needed land for leisure facilities and light industrial development," he said.

"This is a prime example of turning swords into plough-shares for the benefit of all the community."

This article appeared first in the March 26, 2003 edition of the Irish News.

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