A massive British army training exercise at one of Ireland’s most scenic beauty spots has been described as “an unwanted incursion” by East Derry SDLP MLA John Dallat.
About 500 soldiers are taking part in the large scale exercise next week in areas including Binevenagh mountain and Magilligan in Co Derry.
“There is no céad míle fáilte for this invasion of troops to one of the most scenic spots in Ireland, which has experienced a great deal of normality and peace since troops were withdrawn,” said Mr Dallat.
Mr Dallat added the fact the “exercise” had been highly published by the British army reflected the “high level of arrogance” that existed within its senior ranks.
Mr Dallat added: “Any assurance disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum is taken with a pinch of salt by locals who were getting used to life without low-flying helicopters, and all the other trappings of war and its brutal images.
“It is, personally speaking, heartbreaking to think that the same land will be used again to train soldiers who may be sent to other parts of the world to engage in what can only be more killing, and more grief for everyone involved including the families of the soldiers.
‘If any part of the world deserves respite from the trappings of war it is here, where there are too many graves and too many broken homes.”
Mr Dallat concluded: “It is insensitive for the British Army to be bringing their war machine here to turn Binevenagh into a war zone, and the brigadiers and majors should realise the sensitivity of what they are doing and take their war games elsewhere.”
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