Sinn Fein has accused the Department of Social Development of failing to consult west Belfast residents over the development of an "important" local site.

DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie recently announced competition for the former Andersonstown RUC barracks had opened.

Assemblyman Paul Maskey expressed his disappointment over the move.

"For the last four years, DSD has consistently refused to effectively engage and consult with the local community on the future use of the barracks site," he said.

-- Advertisement --

"What’s at stake here is a piece of important public land; the use of public money; and the benefit to the public from proposals for this site in the future."

He said it was "fundamentally undemocratic" for the department and minister to fail to engage with the public on this matter.

"This week, Sinn Féin completed a canvass of local residents in the area around the barracks site. Among the responses are more good ideas for the future of this site," said Mr Maskey.

Sinn Féin has planned a public meeting on 16 November in the Glenowen Inn to ask local residents how they want to see the barracks site used in the future.

(PR/BMcC)