Disbanding battalions could cost North €88m a year

BRITISH government plans to disband three Northern Ireland-based battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) in a major shake up of security could cost the North’s economy €88 million (£60m) every year, it was claimed.

Democratic Unionist Assembly member Arlene Foster said while there had been a focus on the implications of the move for the safety and security of communities, it was also becoming clear there would be a high human cost.

“A significant number of the soldiers within the RIR are drawn from areas in the west of the province where there are already few enough job opportunities,” the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said.