Memorialisation fund launched to commemorate the Troubles

The secretary of state for Northern Ireland has announced a £5 million legacy memorialisation fund and digitisation project to commemorate the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The funding will be used to to support the recommendations of a memorialisation strategy that will be commissioned through the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

The memorialisation strategy will aim to identify and fund inclusive new structures and initiatives to remember those who were lost during the conflict, and help ensure that the events cannot be repeated again.

As well as this the government has also confirmed details of a digitisation project to make Troubles-related records held at The National Archives more readily available to all, virtually and free of charge.

On a visit to the Imperial War Museum in London to view the Northern Ireland: Living with the Troubles exhibition, Heaton-Harris said: "It was my privilege to visit the Imperial War Museum’s exhibition on the Northern Ireland Troubles. Showcasing new artefacts and oral histories, this moving exhibition is an excellent example of how we can remember and learn from the events of the past in an inclusive way through multiple experiences.

"I’m therefore delighted that the UK Government has today committed £5m to support the recommendations of the memorialisation strategy that will be commissioned through the Government’s Legacy Bill.

"It will build on important work that has already been done in this space, while taking account of international best-practice. Most importantly, it will seek to work on the basis of consensus, providing opportunities for victims, families, civil society and other interested parties to contribute and shape outcomes. I look forward to announcing further details in due course."

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