Bessbrook Village Bessbrook village, houses the infamous largest British military barracks with the busiest helicopter port in all of Europe. This base is nestled in the centre of Bessbrook, surrounded by homes, schools, and an Old People's home, in addition to private homes and a convent. Within the past twelve months a number of residents have either sold their homes or simply moved out, seeking housing accommodation elsewhere. They have simply given up on waiting for change to their circumstances, preferring their children to grow up in a better environment that what they have become accustomed too. Again, the barracks is pretty similar to those dotted throughout South Armagh area.
Residents continually complain about the abuses they are forced to endure.
I.e. helicopter noise level and the random stop and search vehicle check points. A purpose built search centre is in operation. Posts surround the barracks, search centre, with an additional one erected on a hill overlooking the area. Residents crossing the border to a nearby shopping town called Emyvale are subjected to vehicle searches, causing long delays and traffic congestion in the town centre. The expenditure allocated to the security forces for year ending July 1998 was 1,435 million.