News

Works Begin on Restoration of Sion Mills War Memorial as Part of PEACE Plus Heritage Project

5 October 2026

Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced that restoration works have now commenced at the Sion Mills War Memorial as part of a wider conservation-led programme to preserve and enhance important historic memorials across the district.

Supported by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) through the PEACE Plus Programme, the project represents a significant investment in protecting shared heritage assets while encouraging greater understanding of the district's diverse history and traditions.

The Sion Mills War Memorial is an important place of remembrance and reflection within the village, commemorating those who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Holding significant historical, cultural and community value, the memorial continues to provide a focal point for commemorative events and acts of remembrance.

Specialist conservation contractors Irish Stone are carrying out the restoration works, working alongside Consarc Design Group, who are providing expert conservation architecture services to ensure all interventions are undertaken in accordance with heritage best practice.

The conservation-led scheme will see the completion of specialist cleaning and stonemasonry repairs, alongside the careful reinstatement of gold gilding to inscriptions to enhance their visibility and preserve the memorial's historic character. The project will also deliver a range of site and accessibility improvements, including new paving, benches, planters, a wreath rail and poppy cross holders, creating a more welcoming and accessible setting for remembrance and reflection. Works to gather content for new interpretation panels are also ongoing and will further enhance public understanding of the memorial and its history.

The Sion Mills War Memorial restoration forms part of a wider programme of conservation works at memorials in Derry City, Strabane and Castlederg. The wider scheme includes specialist stone conservation, maintenance works, landscaping improvements and accessibility enhancements to ensure these important heritage assets can be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.

Alongside the physical restoration works, the project features a comprehensive cross-community outreach programme delivered by RAPID, North West Cultural Partnership and Creggan Enterprises. The programme will engage schools, community groups and organisations from across the district, providing opportunities to learn more about the historical significance of the memorials, explore shared heritage and contribute to discussions around remembrance, peace and reconciliation.

The project also supports the objectives of Council's District Heritage Plan, which seeks to protect, conserve and celebrate the area's rich natural, built and cultural heritage. Through the careful restoration of historic sites and the promotion of greater community engagement with local history, the initiative will help ensure that important heritage assets are preserved, interpreted and appreciated by current and future generations.

Karen Phillips, Director of Environment and Regeneration at Derry City and Strabane District Council, welcomed the commencement of works. She said:

"We are delighted to see restoration works now underway at the Sion Mills War Memorial as part of this important PEACE Plus funded conservation project.

The memorial holds significant importance within the local community as a place of remembrance and reflection. Through this investment, we are ensuring that it is carefully conserved and enhanced for future generations while improving accessibility and the overall setting of the site.

The programme of works will include specialist conservation and repair works, the reinstatement of gold gilding to the memorial's inscriptions, and the introduction of new site features including benches, planters, a wreath rail and poppy cross holders. Together, these improvements will help create a more accessible and welcoming environment for commemorative activity and public engagement.

The restoration programme is about much more than preserving historic structures. Through the accompanying outreach activities, we are creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds and traditions to come together, learn about our shared history and engage in meaningful conversations around local history, understanding and reconciliation.

The project also contributes to the ambitions set out in Council's District Heritage Plan by protecting an important built heritage asset, improving public access and understanding, and encouraging people to engage more deeply with the places and stories that have shaped our district.

Supported through the PEACE Plus Programme, this project reflects Council's commitment to protecting our built heritage, promoting peace and fostering stronger, more connected communities. We look forward to seeing the transformation of the memorial over the coming months and to working with our partners to maximise the positive impact of this important initiative."

The restoration programme forms part of Council's ongoing commitment to delivering the objectives of its District Heritage Plan by conserving significant heritage assets, improving accessibility, supporting education and interpretation, and strengthening connections between people and place. By combining specialist conservation expertise with community engagement activities, the project will help safeguard important heritage assets while creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect with and better understand the area's shared history.

Works at the Sion Mills War Memorial are expected to be completed in November this year.