Menu
24/11/2017
Concerns Raised After Joint Bid For European Capital Of Culture Rejected
Serious concerns have been raised after the European Commission (EC) rejected Belfast and L'Derry's joint bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2023.
The European Commission (EC) wrote to the UK government and stated that after the withdrawal from the European Union (EU) the UK could not take part.
Alliance Councillor Emmer McDonagh Brown described the decision as another "unintended consequence".
He said: "This has gone beyond Civil Servants and we need clear. While we don't know what our relationship with the EU will look like in the wake of Brexit, we need to strengthen our cultural ties now to protect them for the future.
"Of course this will be of little comfort to the many that have put time and effort into our bid, which will still see a strengthening connection between Belfast and Derry-Londonderry as plans for joint culture ventures move forward.
"Despite this the DUP and other pro-Brexit politicians have questions to answer - including how they can still support a Brexit that sees opportunity after opportunity potentially snatched away from Northern Ireland."
Two SDLP councillors have called for an urgent joint meeting of councillors and officials to address the decision.
Cllr Martin Reilly said: "An immense amount of preparatory work has already gone into the joint bid to bring the European Capital of Culture title to Derry and Belfast.
"In an effort to boost both regions and demonstrate positive cooperation across the North, our councils have been working closely on this collaborative bid. It presented a real opportunity economically, politically and culturally.
"It's critical that both councils now come together to make the case for a special dispensation for this bid. We must remain united."
Cllr Tim Attwood said: "The European Commission decision is extremely disappointing but it should not be the death knell for what would be a significant celebration of our common culture.
"The EU has demonstrated a unique understanding of our circumstances. I firmly believe that our two councils can come together and present a powerful case for a special consideration of our bid.
"This is a time for unity and a time for action. We're calling for an urgent special meeting of both councils to take this forward."
(CD/LM)
The European Commission (EC) wrote to the UK government and stated that after the withdrawal from the European Union (EU) the UK could not take part.
Alliance Councillor Emmer McDonagh Brown described the decision as another "unintended consequence".
He said: "This has gone beyond Civil Servants and we need clear. While we don't know what our relationship with the EU will look like in the wake of Brexit, we need to strengthen our cultural ties now to protect them for the future.
"Of course this will be of little comfort to the many that have put time and effort into our bid, which will still see a strengthening connection between Belfast and Derry-Londonderry as plans for joint culture ventures move forward.
"Despite this the DUP and other pro-Brexit politicians have questions to answer - including how they can still support a Brexit that sees opportunity after opportunity potentially snatched away from Northern Ireland."
Two SDLP councillors have called for an urgent joint meeting of councillors and officials to address the decision.
Cllr Martin Reilly said: "An immense amount of preparatory work has already gone into the joint bid to bring the European Capital of Culture title to Derry and Belfast.
"In an effort to boost both regions and demonstrate positive cooperation across the North, our councils have been working closely on this collaborative bid. It presented a real opportunity economically, politically and culturally.
"It's critical that both councils now come together to make the case for a special dispensation for this bid. We must remain united."
Cllr Tim Attwood said: "The European Commission decision is extremely disappointing but it should not be the death knell for what would be a significant celebration of our common culture.
"The EU has demonstrated a unique understanding of our circumstances. I firmly believe that our two councils can come together and present a powerful case for a special consideration of our bid.
"This is a time for unity and a time for action. We're calling for an urgent special meeting of both councils to take this forward."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 November 2017
Belfast And L'Derry's Joint Bid For European Capital Of Culture Rejected
Belfast and L'Derry's joint bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023 has been rejected over Brexit. The European Commission (EC) wrote to the UK government and stated that after the withdrawal from the European Union (EU) the UK could not take part.
Belfast And L'Derry's Joint Bid For European Capital Of Culture Rejected
Belfast and L'Derry's joint bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023 has been rejected over Brexit. The European Commission (EC) wrote to the UK government and stated that after the withdrawal from the European Union (EU) the UK could not take part.
23 June 2021
NI Could Benefit From UK City Of Culture Bid
Northern Ireland could benefit again from a UK City of Culture bid, DUP MP Gregory Campbell has said. The East Londonderry MP has highlighted the changes in the way the UK City of Culture competition is delivered and potential benefits to people across the UK.
NI Could Benefit From UK City Of Culture Bid
Northern Ireland could benefit again from a UK City of Culture bid, DUP MP Gregory Campbell has said. The East Londonderry MP has highlighted the changes in the way the UK City of Culture competition is delivered and potential benefits to people across the UK.
06 July 2010
Ryanair's Aer Lingus Take-Off 'Grounded'
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Ryanair's takeover bid of Aer Lingus should be blocked. However, the court ruled that Ryanair can hold on to its 29.9% stake in Aer Lingus. Ryanair acquired a partial stake in Aer Lingus after its privatisation in 2006, then notified the European Commission that it was seeking a takeover.
Ryanair's Aer Lingus Take-Off 'Grounded'
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Ryanair's takeover bid of Aer Lingus should be blocked. However, the court ruled that Ryanair can hold on to its 29.9% stake in Aer Lingus. Ryanair acquired a partial stake in Aer Lingus after its privatisation in 2006, then notified the European Commission that it was seeking a takeover.
06 July 2017
NI Bid For European Union Special Status Defeated
A bid to give Northern Ireland special designated status in the European Union following Brexit has been rejected. The proposals, which were put forward by a bloc of left-wing parliamentarians including Sinn Féin, were defeated in the European Parliament by 374 votes to 66.
NI Bid For European Union Special Status Defeated
A bid to give Northern Ireland special designated status in the European Union following Brexit has been rejected. The proposals, which were put forward by a bloc of left-wing parliamentarians including Sinn Féin, were defeated in the European Parliament by 374 votes to 66.
06 August 2008
'Joint' Bid To Recall Assembly Possible
A top Ulster Unionist member has come out in support of an SDLP call to convene a special meeting of the Stormont Assembly. The UUP's Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy has admitted his party share SDLP concerns over what they are calling "a growing crisis at Stormont".
'Joint' Bid To Recall Assembly Possible
A top Ulster Unionist member has come out in support of an SDLP call to convene a special meeting of the Stormont Assembly. The UUP's Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy has admitted his party share SDLP concerns over what they are calling "a growing crisis at Stormont".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
