A Co Down replica British army hut housing artefacts from the time of the internment of a former Taoiseach, the Hooded men and a Hollywood star's uncle is to be demolished.
The Ballykinlar 'Armstrong Hut' was recreated at the Down Museum in October 2021 as part of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) shared history project supported by the EU Peace IV programme.
The original huts, since demolished at Ballykinlar, were also used to train British soldiers ahead of the Battle of the Somme as well as American GIs during World War II.
Read more: Artefacts from First World War found under hut at Co Down camp.
Rowallane SDLP councillor, Terry Andrews expressed concerns for the protection of the historical materials, as the decision to remove the hut was agreed in chambers this week.
"I would be very disappointed that the link with our history is being taken away completely.
"Former Taoiseach Sean Lemass was interned during the 1920s at the Ballykinlar huts and I would be concerned this link would be lost at the museum.
"I feel that this could be a retrograde step on behalf of the council."
The links to British and Irish history, which were key to the development fo the replica hut also opened the door to Hollywood during the artefact development stages.
Many of the artefacts on display were donated to the project including a chess set used in 1921 and owned by interned prisoner Michael Phelan, the uncle of Hollywood actor Martin Sheen.
A council officer reassured the chamber that the contents of the hut would be retained for future exhibitions.
He said:"An extension of planning for the Ballykinlar Hut was given with the condition that the hut structure be removed in its entirety at some stage before 2025.
"The hut has deteriorated over the past two years.
"It was designed as a temporary structure, but deterioration has accelerated due to excess humidity in autumn and winter.
"It is proposed that a contractor is appointed top dismantle and remove the hut.
"The contents and displays within the hut will be retained for future exhibitions at a suitable location and facility."
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