TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston has criticised the retention of listed buildings at the former Long Kesh prison site, which he described as an 'IRA shrine' costing around £40,000 per year to maintain.

Speaking in the Assembly, Gaston argued that preserving the structures offers nothing for future generations and actively blocks regeneration. He claimed the buildings are preventing inward investment and job creation at the Maze site.

Gaston contrasted the upkeep of the Long Kesh buildings with the condition of the former residence of Northern Ireland's first Prime Minister, James Craig. He said a Stormont that preserves a listed building associated with those who sought to destroy the state while neglecting one linked to its founders is failing unionism.

The MLA stated that development and investment at the Maze cannot proceed while the hospital wing and associated buildings remain in place.