Two months after 29 people were killed in a "Real IRA" bomb attack in Omagh, Co Tyrone, workers yesterday started to demolish two of the buildings badly damaged by the 500lb car bomb.
It is thought that between eight and 10 buildings which bore the brunt of the Market Street explosion will have to be dismantled and the demolition teams believe it could be Christmas before the street is reopened to traffic. "It has to be done very sensitively," said Omagh architect Mr Richard Collins, who is supervising the demolition of five business premises.
"Due to the complexity and structure of some of the buildings it will take many, many weeks to dismantle them all, but we are hoping the work will be finished by Christmas.
"At the moment, local architects are discussing with planners exactly what will replace the buildings, which are in a conservation area. On a personal level, my family were only 50 yards from the explosion. I feel personally that we all have to move together to create something which pays homage to what has happened and which will take us into the next millennium and pay tribute to the 29 people who died," he said.
Market Street trader Mr Patrick Bogues, whose Gift Shop premises is beside the demolition site, said work on removing the damaged buildings was overdue. "I welcome the fact that the work has now started. It is exactly two calendar months since the atrocity of August 15th, with all the trauma there has been with such a massive loss of life."
A man whose wife was killed in the Omagh bombing has pledged to campaign for the removal from office of dissident republican councillor Mr Francie Mackey.
Mr Laurence Rush said he will "protest vigorously" about Mr Mackey's continuing role in public life. He described the councillor's reaction to the bombing as "warped".
Mr Mackey, who was expelled from Sinn Fein over his opposition to the peace process, is chairman of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee which security sources say is the "Real IRA's" political wing, a claim the movement denies.
He demanded Mr Mackey's resignation from Omagh District Council and expressed anger that the councillor last week took part in a reception for the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, to discuss proposals for the town's future.
Mr Mackey was unavailable for comment yesterday.