06/07/2005
Council to take lead in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
Belfast City Council has confirmed it is to take the lead in the organisation of a major outdoor event to mark St. Patrick's Day next year.
The Council agreed at its monthly meeting on Monday to address the controversy which has surrounded the event in recent years and said it was determined to provide an inclusive event which can be enjoyed by everyone in the City, whatever their background. This will see the Council commit £70,000 towards the event, in addition to the sum of £25,000 being awarded by the Arts Council.
“This is a major step forward,” said Councillor Alex Maskey, Chairman of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee.
“For too many years, the Council has felt unable to support the organisation of a major St. Patrick’s Day event in the city centre. Now we look forward to working with not only the Carnival Committee but all of the people of Belfast over the months ahead to deliver an event which all of use can enjoy, not only in 2006 but in future years.”
However, DUP councillor Nelson McCausland said his party would be seeking assurances that there would not be Irish tricolours flying at the event.
"What the city council is hoping to have next year would be an event free from that plethora of tricolours we saw outside the City Hall this year," he said.
In the past few years, the Council has provided funding through a small grants scheme and a concert in the Waterfront Hall to mark St. Patrick's Day.
(MB/GB)
The Council agreed at its monthly meeting on Monday to address the controversy which has surrounded the event in recent years and said it was determined to provide an inclusive event which can be enjoyed by everyone in the City, whatever their background. This will see the Council commit £70,000 towards the event, in addition to the sum of £25,000 being awarded by the Arts Council.
“This is a major step forward,” said Councillor Alex Maskey, Chairman of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee.
“For too many years, the Council has felt unable to support the organisation of a major St. Patrick’s Day event in the city centre. Now we look forward to working with not only the Carnival Committee but all of the people of Belfast over the months ahead to deliver an event which all of use can enjoy, not only in 2006 but in future years.”
However, DUP councillor Nelson McCausland said his party would be seeking assurances that there would not be Irish tricolours flying at the event.
"What the city council is hoping to have next year would be an event free from that plethora of tricolours we saw outside the City Hall this year," he said.
In the past few years, the Council has provided funding through a small grants scheme and a concert in the Waterfront Hall to mark St. Patrick's Day.
(MB/GB)
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