Call for Executive Office to explain religious service at Derry's Ebrington Square

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have been called on to explain why a religious organisation has been given permission to operate a pop-up church service on four Sundays in July, at which an amplification system has been used and flyers distributed.

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has written to the First and deputy First Minister to express her objections to the granting of such permission in the shared space.

The Foyle MLA said: “The people of Derry have repeatedly been told that Ebrington Square is an inclusive and shared space, yet the granting of permission for the use of our Square by religious preachers risks totally undermining that promise.

"It also betrays the Department’s lack of vision and runs entirely contrary to the originally intended purpose of the space. This is particularly galling given the failure of the Executive Office to secure more than one entertainment act in the Square this Summer.

“Last Sunday, constituents reached out to me to express their objections and frustration at this religious service, particularly for those who were enjoying the local hospitality.

"The fact that the Executive Office have once again have mismanaged the Square actually defies belief. I have written to the First and deputy First Ministers in relation to the issue and I have also requested an update on the transfer of the responsibility of the Square, given the ineffectiveness of the current approach.

“This is the responsibility of the Executive Office under their leadership, and they must assure the people of Derry that this matter will be addressed without delay and that no further religious services will take place in our space.

"I would also ask them to re-commit to the transfer of the Square’s management to our local Council so that we can assure the people of Derry that this Square will remain an inclusive and shared space.”

The Executive Office has been approach for comment.