Hendron welcomes Belfast City Council progress regarding commemoration planning

Belfast City Council Alliance Group Leader Cllr Máire Hendron has welcomed the fact that the Council has passed a motion to invite an Irish Government Minister to the City Council’s Somme Centenary Commemorations. She also said Alliance has helped put the need for good forward planning on centenary commemorations on the public agenda through party Deputy Leader Naomi Long’s Westminster Hall debate, and Cllr Hendron said we must maximize the potential that events have to help build a shared future and boost our tourism industry.

Cllr Máire Hendron said: “Alliance has been leading the way on pushing for plans to be put in place to address centenaries to ensure they are dealt with sensitively and help in delivering a shared future. We are also leading the campaign to ensure we maximize the economic and tourism potential of these events.

“Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long MP helped put addressing centenary commemorations on the public agenda with her Westminster Hall debate on the issue, and Alliance will continue to press for clear advance planning as regards commemorations.

“There are very important North-South and East-West aspects as regards the centenary commemorations and it is vital that we look for every possible opportunity to increase co-operation and maintain good relations.

“I am very pleased that the motion regarding inviting an Irish Government Minister to the Council’s Somme Centenary Commemorations was passed at council, and this sends out a positive message for the future and for a shared future for all.”

ENDS