“We are the third security force here and have had very little recognition because no one wants to know what goes on behind the grey wall”
The chairperson of Northern Ireland Prison Officers trade union has called for all 11 councils to recognise staff “murdered in the line of duty”.
The plea comes as Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council signed off on a permanent cenotaph memorial to be erected before Remembrance Sunday in November. The local authority provides land for three prisons including Maghaberry, Hydebank and the now closed down Maze, with the chamber hearing personal links to abduction and murder.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service chairperson of the NI Prison Officers Association, Ivor Dunne said: “We are the third security force here and have had very little recognition because no one wants to know what goes on behind the grey wall.
READ MORE: Lisburn’s Fleadh fringe plan raises concerns over support for Orange Order
READ MORE: Lisburn city centre apartments approved despite anti-social concerns
“My ambition would be for a memorial in each of the 11 councils, because we lost 32 members of staff during the Troubles, and they came from all over Northern Ireland. Each county has had a member of staff lost to them, so for the families we should give them that recognition that their loved one has not been forgotten.
“It is something very dear to my heart and for current staff it would also be significant for morale.”
The first prison officer in Northern Ireland murdered was Officer R Walker in 1942 with the most recent officer to be killed, Adrian Ismay, who died in March 2016 following a dissident republican bomb attack.
A former prison officer, turned councillor brought forward the Lisburn proposal at Lagan Valley Island with the authority now ratifying the memorial location.
Downshire West DUP Alderman Allan Ewart said: “As a former member of the NIPS, I wholeheartedly welcome and support the efforts of the council to erect a memorial in memory of the 32 officers murdered in their line of duty, many of them known to me personally.
“Over the years of the Troubles I feel that the NIPS has been the forgotten service who gave so much during that period.
“Their sacrifice must never be forgotten. These brave men and women served with courage and dedication in the most challenging of circumstances and it is only right that their legacy is honoured with dignity and respect.”
According to a council report a design for the memorial has now been produced and a location chosen at Castle Street in Lisburn.
The paper states the aim is to have this memorial completed in advance of Remembrance Sunday 2026.
Alderman Ewart added: “This memorial will stand not only as a tribute to their lives but also a lasting reminder of the price that was paid in pursuit of peace and stability.
“I commend the officers and everyone involved in bringing this important project forward. I am honoured to propose the recommendation be accepted and look forward to the day the memorial is dedicated.”
A small number of memorials to prison officers are currently in place including at Hydebank and in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council with another understood due to be erected at Causeway Coast and Glens Council.
The LDRS contacted the Department of Justice.
A spokesperson said: “The Northern Ireland Prison Service welcomes the decision by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of prison staff.
“Prisons are part of the community, not apart from it and we will continue to work with the council on this very important act of remembrance.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login