News

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

14 September 2026

Derry City and Strabane District Council has announced that restoration works have now commenced at the Strabane 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 Strabane War Memorial, a 1960s cenotaph located along the Derry Road, was dedicated in 1969 and commemorates those who lost their lives in both World Wars. As an important place of remembrance and reflection, the memorial continues to hold significant historical, cultural and community value within Strabane.

Specialist conservation contractors Irish Stone are carrying out the restoration works, working alongside Consarc Conservation Architects 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 extensive repair and restoration works to the memorial wall, including specialist cleaning, coping stone repointing, crack stitch repairs, stone carving and gold gilding. The project will also include re-rendering of adjacent walls, removal of existing steps, new paving and railing works, and the installation of new interpretation boards, metal railings and planters to enhance the setting and accessibility of the site.

The Strabane War Memorial restoration forms part of a wider programme of conservation works at memorials in Derry City, Castlederg and Sion Mills. 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 Strabane War Memorial as part of this important PEACE Plus funded conservation project.

"The memorial is an important landmark in Strabane and serves as a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Through this investment, we are ensuring that it is carefully conserved and enhanced for future generations while improving the accessibility and overall setting of the site.

"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 Strabane War Memorial are expected to be completed by November 2026.