Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA has called on OFMdFM to publish the Colliers Report about the Peace Building and Reconciliation Centre at the Maze Long Kesh site immediately. OFMdFM recently responded to an FOI request to publish the findings about the site by saying that publication was “not in the public interest”. 

Mr Nesbitt said, “This is yet another example of OFMdFM’s refusal to embrace a culture of transparency and openness.’ 

“The rationale for refusing to disclose in this case is bizarre, as they talk about the risks of “premature disclosure” of the Colliers Report before the Maze Long Kesh policy is “fully developed”.’ 

“What aspect of the policy has yet to be developed? They have decided the Peace Building and Conflict Reconciliation Centre should be at the Maze, they have appointed the architect to design and oversee its construction, and the Development Corporation have made clear they expect the taxpayer to stump up an annual subvention of £650,000 a year to subsidise the running of the Centre. That sounds like a pretty complete policy to me.’ 

“As I understand it, from speaking to some who were canvassed in the Colliers survey, this was about three key questions: whether we should have such a Peace Building Centre; if so, what functions it should perform; and lastly, where it should be located?’ 

“We remain clear we should have such a facility, that it should concentrate primarily on storytelling, but that the proper location is the Crumlin Road, with its gaol, tunnel, and courthouse. Sadly the latter was sold off for a £1. Rather than invest millions in a new, loss-making facility at the Maze, we believe we should buy the Courthouse back and develop the iconic sit in north Belfast, helping employment and tackling deprivation in one of the most needy areas of Northern Ireland.’ 

“Maybe the Colliers Report endorses our view, maybe it does not. But while ODMdFM continue to refuse to publish the findings, suspicion remains. They should make its findings public immediately.”