Stormont ministers are aiming for face-to-face talks later this month between rival sides in the recent Holy Cross school dispute in Belfast, it was revealed today.
Loyalists and nationalists, who were catapulted into the international spotlight last September by the picketing of the Catholic primary school in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast, are to begin a process of dialogue while the power-sharing government introduces several safety measures in their area.
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A Catholic schoolgirl is escorted to Holy Cross Primary School during the dispute last November. Photo: Reuters - file
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In a letter outlining the measures to loyalist Glenbryn and nationalist Ardoyne residents, Northern Ireland First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan have said they are aiming to:
- Begin talks on June 17th on a community forum involving representatives of both communities. These would set the agenda, venues and timetables for further discussions.
- Start work on the same day on a fence to protect houses in the loyalist Hesketh Road.
- Build a protective wall around houses along the sectarian interface on the Ardoyne Road.
- Construct a roundabout at the Alliance Avenue junction with the Ardoyne Road between July 22 and September.
- Seek road realignment and environmental landscaping.
The First and Deputy First Ministers explained: "We have sought to make progress on two main issues - community dialogue and community safety.
"We remain of the view that it is only through community dialogue that a lasting solution to tensions and divisions in the area can be found. We also believe that it is unlikely dialogue will succeed if the two communities do not believe that their safety needs are being addressed."
PA