Ebrington Hotel 'deeply' regrets 'furore' over use of the Ebrington Square

The management of the Ebrington Hotel has expressed its deep regret over its handling of the issue of the events at Ebrington Square.

Protests have been held outside of the new multi-million pound hotel after a series of music events were in danger of being cancelled. The concerts were ultimately allowed to go ahead over the course of a series of dates in August.

It also emerged that £280,000 to two event organisers and the Ebrington Hotel following what the Executive Office described as "mediation".

The owner of the hotel Cecil Doherty insisted the hotel does not object to events taking place at the public square adjacent to his hotel. He admitted the hotel had some "reservations around rave events" but was ultimately "delighted" that two such events went ahead in August.

In a statement issued by the hotel, management said the Ebrington Hotel is owned by a consortium made up of local people living in the county with a commitment to the success of the Hotel and the sustainability of the employment of the 90 staff who currently work there.

Management also welcomed a proposal being brought forward at today’s Council meeting for Ebrington Square to be managed by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

"The Management at the Ebrington Hotel deeply regret the furore that has surrounded the use of the Square in recent months and is particularly remorseful for any part we may have played through comments made and upset caused.

"We have learned lessons and realise we should have gone about things very differently.

"We have no role or desire to veto any event and acknowledge that any concerns we had around rave events were addressed and turned out to be well stewarded and well organised, which we whole heartedly appreciated.

"We look forward to putting our full support behind Ebrington Square and its future management and that an exciting schedule of events can be put in place that allows everyone’s expectations to be managed," the statement said.