Plans to move a historical memorial to the Inniskilling's Museum from its current site at St Lucia Barracks in Omagh, have been approved by Omagh District Council.

And, despite objections being raised by a number of Councillors in Omagh, those who have suggested the move have stressed it is merely to ensure the monument is protected.

Mark Scott, the Vice-Chairman of the Trustees of Inniskilling's Museum explained the background to the move.

"The Memorial is to the men of the Second Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers who died during 20 years of continuous overseas service, between 1888 and 1908. It included the North West Frontier, and the South African Boer Campaign."

It is currently housed at the St Lucia's Barracks in Omagh which is due to become a public area. As a result, the Trustees raised their concerns about the uncertainty of the site and asked for permission to relocate it to a new home within Enniskillen Castle.

Mr Scott said this was in order to move the monument to a 'safe environment': "We just felt this would be a safer position for it, particularly against the threat of vandalism.

"This is a historic monument, and it is important to protect it. That is the reason behind the whole suggested move. The memorial is made from marble and is quite vulnerable."

Commenting on the fact some Omagh Councillors had hit out at the plans to relocate the memorial, Mr Scott was keen that this would not become a divisive issue.

"We just want to protect the monument, and we believe this is the best way," he added.