Statement by TUV vice-chair Keith Harbinson:

“Unionists will be shocked at the announcement by DUP Environment Minister Edwin Poots that there will be no change in the listed status of buildings at the Maze.

“Already some £350,000 of public money has been wasting maintaining these ugly buildings over the last four years.

“That the Maze should be granted the same protection as Northern Ireland’s architectural treasures is outrageous. What is the justification for this protection?  Is it because these buildings are the site of a number of suicides by Republican fanatics, or the fact that they are the site of the most notorious break out in British penal history, or is it simply because Minister Poots and his party colleagues have decided it is politically prudent not to upset their Government partners?

“Today’s scandalous announcement will inevitably lead to the creation of a Republican Mecca in the heart of Unionist Lagan Valley.”