Calls for Derry secret passages to be opened

12 January 2009 -

Former Navy commander Peter Campbell, from The Honourable The Irish Society, has told the Derry Journal that the secret tunnels fashioned during the Forgotten Siege of 1649 in the walled city of Derry should be opened to the public.

Historical sources claim clandestine passages were made during the English Civil War which raged across Ulster.

The tunnels were designed to allow general Owen Roe O'Neill and his weary soldiers to receive much needed food and supplies.

Mr Campbell told the news provider the passages are a part of the history of Londonderry, also known as Derry, and should opened to allow locals and people travelling in Northern Ireland to enjoy them.

"The passage is very much a part of Derry's history and should be opened up as a tourist resource - everyone loves a secret passage … I think it would be terrific to have it opened up - it would have great tourist potential," he stated.

Meanwhile, deputy first minister Martin McGuinness recently told the Derry Journal that 2009 will be an exciting year for the city.