Contractor Appointed for Restoration of Four Historic War Memorials Across Derry and Strabane Distri
6 August 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced the appointment of conservation specialists, Irish Stone, to undertake the restoration of four historic war memorials located at The Diamond in Derry City Centre, Castlederg, Sion Mills and Strabane.
The restoration and essential maintenance project is being delivered with support from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through the PEACE Plus Programme and represents a significant investment in preserving important heritage assets while encouraging greater understanding of the shared history of the District.
Irish Stone will deliver the conservation works alongside Consarc Conservation Architects, who are providing specialist conservation architecture services for the scheme, ensuring that all restoration works are carried out in accordance with best practice principles for the protection and preservation of historic monuments.
Works at the four memorial sites will include specialist stone repointing, conservation of bronze elements, specialist cleaning, painting, landscaping improvements and enhanced accessibility measures to ensure the memorials can be enjoyed and accessed by everyone in our community.
Alongside the restoration and maintenance works, the project features a comprehensive cross-community outreach programme, delivered by RAPID, North West Cultural Partnership and Creggan Enterprises, engaging local community groups, schools and organisations from across the district. The programme will provide opportunities for people to learn more about the historical significance of the memorials, explore their shared heritage and contribute to discussions around remembrance, peace and reconciliation.
Funded by PEACE Plus, the project aims to promote peace and reconciliation, improve understanding of different traditions and histories, and create more welcoming and inclusive shared spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Karen Phillips, Director of Environment and Regeneration at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said:
"We are delighted to appoint Irish Stone to deliver this important restoration and maintenance project across four significant war memorial sites within our district, with the support and expertise of Consarc Conservation Architects.
"These memorials hold considerable historical, cultural and community value and this investment will ensure they are carefully conserved and enhanced for future generations.
"The project is about much more than the restoration of physical structures. Through the accompanying outreach programme, we are bringing together schools, community organisations and local groups from across the district to explore our shared heritage and deepen understanding of the histories and experiences that have shaped our communities.
"Supported through the PEACE Plus Programme, the initiative reflects our commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation, encouraging mutual respect and creating welcoming shared spaces where everyone feels included.
"The works planned for The Diamond will sit alongside the wider City Deal public realm and lighting improvements in the city centre, delivering additional benefits for residents, businesses and visitors while enhancing the setting of this important landmark.
"We look forward to seeing the restoration works progress over the coming months and to working with our partners and local communities to maximise the positive impact of this significant project."
The restoration programme forms part of Council's ongoing commitment to protecting the District's built heritage while fostering positive community relations and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement across all sections of society. The project brings together the specialist skills of Irish Stone and Consarc Conservation Architects to ensure the long-term preservation of these historically significant memorials.
Works at The Diamond War Memorial will also complement the wider regeneration taking place in this part of Derry City Centre, including the City Deal streetscape and lighting regeneration proposals, helping to further enhance one of the city's most important civic spaces.
The works are expected to take approximately three months to complete and will commence on Monday 10th August.