A memorial of the Inniskillings Regiment in St Lucia Barracks, Omagh is to be moved to the Regimental Museum in Enniskillen, despite furious opposition from councillors.

The closing and probable sale of St Lucia Barracks in Omagh has made it necessary for the Trustees of the Inniskilling Museum there to review the future of the memorial at the barracks.

It was erected to remember those Inniskilling soldiers who lost their lives during the Second Batalion's unbroken period of overseas service between 1888 and 1908.

However, UUP councillor Ross Hussey in Omagh has appealed to the community there to lodge objections. He points out that the Ministry of Defence wants to move the memorial from its 'rightful place' a year short of its 100th birthday.

In a statement issued this week the Inniskilling Museum in Enniskillen said the Trustees at St Lucia Barracks had now applied for approval to move the memorial to Enniskillen Castle, which is now the home of the Regiment's history, traditions and treasures.

"Their over-riding consideration is for the security of the memorial once St Lucia Barracks is vacated. The memorial has considerable intrinsic value, its historic value is in recording the sacrifice of those men of the Second Battalion who died on operation sin far flung corners of the British Empire such as the North West Frontier of India, South Africa and Egypt," it said.

"They were mostly Irishmen from all parts and traditions in our island, and their names evoke memories and echoes in many places. Because Enniskillen Castle is open to the public, everyone will now be able to appreciate this beautiful memorial and admire the men to whom it is dedicated," it added.

The statement also said it would be irresponsible for the Trustees to leave the memorial exposed to the whims of those who disfigure towns on Friday nights.

Ministry of Defence Estates and the Environment and Heritage Service have now commenced a consultation process prior to deciding the future location of the memorial.

If agreed, the memorial will be placed inside Enniskillen Castle complex, in serene and peaceful surroundings, alongside the Inniskillings Museum, which is open daily to the public.

However, Mr Hussey said, "It is quite clear that the author of this particular application is not fully conversant with the history of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers or their proud association with Omagh and St Lucia Barracks, which was the regimental depot and home to the regiment from the mid 1800s."

He believes the removal of the stone which lies within a listed building, could cause irreparable damage to the structure. He declares if the memorial is removed it will not go back to Omagh.