| Lisburn Borough occupies an area of approximately 174 square miles of contrasting countryside, from urban areas of the Lagan Valley to the picturesque towns and villages of its landscape and the shores of Lough Neagh. The present Borough was created in 1973 by the amalgamation of the Lisburn Borough with two adjourning rural councils to constitute what is now the second largest local government authority in Northern Ireland with a population of approximately 111,000, Belfast being the largest. |
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History
The development of Lisburn reflects the history of Ireland, England and indeed of Europe. Up until the early 17 century the Lagan Valley was a densely wooded area sparsely populated. However, as early as the 10 century the O'Neills, the rulers of Ulster, had established a major fort on high ground guarding a river crossing. This fort had the name Lisnagarvey which in the Gaelic language meant the fort of the gamblers. Lisnagarvey is a name much used in the present day life of Lisburn, a prime example being Lisnagarvey Men's Hockey Club, the premier hockey club in Ireland. This settlement on the banks of the Lagan was the beginning of the present town of Lisburn.
The Elizabethan Wars in Ireland ended with the defeat of the O'Neills and the seizure of their lands with the subsequent Plantation of Ulster. While the development of Lisburn continued throughout the 17th century the area was at the centre of political turmoil and was burnt in the Rebellion of 1641. It figured prominently in the Williamite campaign of 1689-90. It was also burnt to the ground by accident in 1707.
Towards the end of the 17th century Huguenots, escaping from persecution in France, settled in the Lisburn area. Prominent among these was Louis Crommelin who is credited with laying the foundations of the Irish Linen Industry on which the subsequent development and prosperity of Lisburn was based. The 18th century, largely peaceful, saw trade and industry prosper around Lisburn and indeed the Lagan Canal between Lisburn and Belfast was completed in 1763 and the following year the canal was extended to Lough Neagh to take advantage of coal deposits around Coalisland in County Tyrone. The use of the canal declined over the next two centuries and it eventually closed in 1958.
Lisburn was again affected by the 1798 Rebellion, one of the leaders of the United Irishmen being Henry Monroe, a Linen Merchant living in Market Square, Lisburn. Monroe, a Protestant, was no revolutionary but was driven to arms by the excesses of the British Forces in the surrounding countryside. He became leader of the United Irishmen in County Down, was defeated at the Battle of Ballynahinch, captured and hanged in Market Square, Lisburn. He was then beheaded and his head set on a spike in view of his own home.
The following two hundred years have seen two World Wars which have had their impact on Lisburn both socially and economically. The Linen Industry which underpinned the development of Lisburn has disappeared but as the motto on its coat of arms proclaims, Lisburn 'has risen from the flames'.
Lisburn's future, like its history, is all about progress. Our commercial and social history is studded with many global success stones Barbour Campbell (industrial linen threads). Harry Ferguson (tractor automotives) with over 150 new, innovative companies every year starting up in the Lisburn Borough.
The Borough is Northern Ireland's largest local government region outside of Belfast. and is also the fastest growing, With the highest level of inward migration over the last 25 years. At least 10,000 new homes are proposed over the next decade. Good road links to the South and West of Ireland put us less than an hour away by car from over 4 million people. Similarly, our proximity to air and sea ports allows us to access the world of domestic and commercial travel.
The Borough has exploited its strategic position. South of Belfast and North of Dublin, to encourage over 3000 companies to locate here. Consequently, modern technologies and retailing abound, with unemployment in the Lagan Valley, at 3.7%, being the lowest in Northern, Ireland.
The Region enjoys excellent schools, colleges, healthcare. housing and recreational facilities, including me Lagan Valley Leisureplex, the largest of its kind in Ireland, which saw 100,000 customers pass through it's doors in the first three months from opening
Certainly Lisburn Borough is a premier place in which to live, work, play and visit.
Councillor Peter O'Hagan
Mayor of Lisburn