Disgust at ongoing Ebrington stalemate

Following its third rally at Ebrington, local campaign group, Your Ebrington, has urged local people to lobby all local MLAs and Colum Eastwood MP on the issue.

Speaking to Derry Now, group spokesperson, Sinead Quinn said: "We are calling on local people to make contact with all local MLAs and Foyle MP, Colum Eastwood, to register their disgust with the ongoing stalemate over events in the Square.

"The Hotel has clearly stated it no longer objects to events being held in the Square. We understand that The Executive Office (TEO) wishes to hold a public consultation on the matter, sometime in the future, which we fully support. However, if there is no current impediment to events being held, we need to see a schedule of events for 2024. We don't need this being kicked down the road like everything else."

"We know there is a lot of work being done by local MLAs and the MP on this issue behind the scenes. However, we expect, as members of the public, to be kept informed as to the outcome of conversations they are having with TEO, not just letting us know they are having them."

"Ebrington, as a project, cannot simply be just a tourist offering. The people of this city have bought into Ebrington as much more than an event space which hasn't been straightforward for many considering the previous use of the site. It's now a safe shared space and the people of this city deserve to be able to fully utilise it. The businesses in Ebrington need local support to survive so it isn't just about tourism, it's about building something local people can use."

Ms Quinn urged people to contact their local MLAs and MP.

She added: "Tell them why you're so angry about this issue. And tell them that, if the Hotel isn't objecting, we need TEO to do their job and begin scheduling events immediately.

"If this doesn't happen, it will be local businesses in Ebrington that suffer as a result of nothing but lack of care and incompetence.

"In the absence of a schedule of events, we continue to rally in Ebrington. This Saturday, October 7, at 2pm."