Close to 200 Paramilitary Displays Found on Public Housing Property

A paramilitary-themed mural located in the Mount Vernon district of north Belfast

Approximately 200 paramilitary murals and commemorative structures have been identified on properties and land managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), based on records acquired by BBC News Northern Ireland through a Freedom of Information request.

These unofficial displays associated with loyalist and republican groups have been documented by the public housing authority.

The findings emerge as the Northern Ireland Assembly urges government ministers to review the possibility of conducting an official survey of memorials situated on public land and eliminating paramilitary-related symbols.

NIHE stated that challenges involving murals, memorials, and flags “can be complex to address, and no individual organization can bear sole responsibility.”

The housing body noted it remains engaged with local communities in “re-imaging” initiatives aimed at altering or taking down divisive and “territorial” displays.

Records indicate that over 400 murals and memorials are present on NIHE-controlled land and properties.

These include more than 300 categorized as “loyalist” or “republican,” with the rest classified as “non-aligned” or unspecified.

Among them, 177 displays were connected to paramilitary organizations such as the IRA, UDA, and UVF.

NIHE reported that a survey conducted in June to map all memorials on its properties identified 134 in total.

Earlier this year, a statue honoring IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands was installed without authorization on NIHE land in Twinbrook, west Belfast.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill was among those who supported the monument, justifying her presence at its unveiling.

NIHE clarified that the statue was placed “without our consent,” and Belfast City Council is still examining the absence of proper planning permission.

A loyalist paramilitary mural in the Mount Vernon estate in north Belfast was recently repaired after being damaged during Storm Darragh last year.

NIHE confirmed that “no permission had been requested or granted” for the restoration work.

The organization stated there are presently “no intentions” to remove it, emphasizing that “the safety of our staff and any contractors will be a primary concern.”

Last week, the Northern Ireland Assembly debated the issue of unauthorized memorials on public land.

The discussion followed an Alliance Party proposal urging Stormont ministers to “carry out an audit” of memorial numbers.

Belfast artist Lesley Cherry, involved in re-imaging projects for around 15 years, stressed the importance of establishing trust with communities.

“You can’t simply impose solutions; that approach is often rejected,” she explained. “The collaborative process is sometimes just as crucial as the final outcome in this type of work.”

Prof Dominic Bryan of Queen’s University Belfast, who co-chaired a Stormont commission examining murals and memorials, described commemoration as an intensely debated topic.

He noted that while respectful remembrance should be permitted, such displays can sometimes function as “tools of coercive control in specific areas.”

Prof Bryan recommended that Stormont’s Executive Office develop guidelines to promote “respectful commemoration.”

“We must transition away from military symbols of the past, as local military influence persists—communities continue to grapple with that legacy,” he added.

In an official statement, NIHE affirmed it “does not authorize memorials on its land, nor does it provide funding for them.”

The organization reported it has collaborated with communities to complete 57 “re-imaging projects.”

“Without community backing, the removal of murals and memorials can lead to tensions and escalated reactions,” a spokesperson said.

“We remain committed to supporting local communities in replacing divisive symbols through artistic means, where there is a genuine willingness to begin this transformative journey.”

Stormont’s Executive Office was contacted for comment but has not yet responded.