By Conor Sharkey
IT could be a case of shutting the gate after the horse has bolted, but Environment Minister Sammy Wilson yesterday (Wednesday) announced that the Sion Mills Stables will be seized from owner John Withy within four weeks.
The Minister vowed to take urgent action after the Strabane Chronicle last week pointed out that emergency repairs to stop the building collapsing could have been carried out years ago, under the Northern Ireland Planning Order 1991.
The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has been under pressure since the Stables partially collapsed last Monday to explain why the Listed Building was allowed to deteriorate so far.
And while yesterday's announcement will no doubt be welcomed by Sion Mills residents, it may well be too little, too late. Preservation Trust Hearth has been looking to restore the historic building for more than five years, but recent developments have prompted concerns that the building may now be beyond salvage.
Earlier this week, the Strabane Chronicle contacted EHS to ask why they never carried out emergency repairs, despite being legally able to do so.
Responding, the Environment Minister promised to fast track plans to save the buildings, a pledge originally made by former Environment Minister Arlene Foster last September.
Mr Wilson said: "I am aware of the condition of this building, the recent collapse of the clock tower and the desire among local people to see the stables preserved for future generations to enjoy. I am very keen to bring the acquisition process quickly to a conclusion.
"Seven days after the Urgent Works Notice has been served on the owner my Department will move in to secure the building and help protect it from any further deterioration. Alongside of this, I have instructed that the Vesting Order be made so that the building will come into the ownership and protection of my Department, while we work with our partners to secure its longer term future."
The Minister also thanked Strabane District Council and other bodies for their support in acquiring the building.
And while Sammy Wilson's pledge has to been seen as a positive, the future of the Stables is far from secure.
Director of Hearth Marcus Patton said they were keen to continue with restoration plans, but that the clock was ticking on the project.
"It is 20 years since this building became known to us and five years since we agreed to take it on and restore it but we have become less than enthusiastic because fabric has now been lost.
"At the end of the day, we don't build replicas, we are interested in restoration. But even in their current derelict state, the Stables aren't beyond repair. But they are very near it," he said.
Asked what the realistic chances of the buildings surviving are, Mr Patton added: "I have to remain hopeful. When you are working with very old buildings, you have to be optimistic that they can be restored or you would just give up at the first hurdle.
"But with regards to Sion Mills, it is getting more difficult all the time," he said.
