The recent decision of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to announce its intention to delist the Tyrone County War memorial with very little public consultation indicates to me their complete failure to understand the importance of such a monument to the people of a garrison town like Omagh and to those that have lost loved one’s either through the two World Wars or more recent conflicts. The original Tyrone County war memorial was dedicated in 1927 by His Grace the Governor of Northern Ireland – the Duke of Abercorn. Clearly it was initially dedicated as a memorial to those from County Tyrone who lost their lives in the Great War of 1914 – 1918. I highlight the fact that this memorial is the Tyrone County War Memorial that was dedicated in this the county town of Tyrone. Clearly the memorial was based on the Cenotaph in London – how would the citizens of London react if some ‘pen pusher’ mooted the idea to delist the cenotaph? The Tyrone County War memorial also commemorates those that were killed in World War II and is used by many as a memorial to those who have died since as a result of conflict. It is very much a part of the heart of this town and whilst a decision to delist would not affect the structure as she now stands it could mean in future years the memorial could be moved with little or consultation with the people of Omagh. I personally feel that now as the issue is in the public domain now is the time for a major refurbishment of the surrounding area. Ulsterbus has carried out major works to their property I feel that the memorial should be cleaned, the globes that have not worked for years be fixed so that they can be lit, and the area that is currently ‘fenced off’ be opened up to allow the placing of memorial crosses on Remembrance Sunday.