DCAL to help with future Euro title bid

Back in October the Sentinel first revealed Derry City Council was considering bidding for the European Capital of Culture in 2023.

DUP MLA Gregory Campbell asked Ms Ní Chuilín what assistance she was giving to cities, such as Londonderry, to give them an advantage in the likelihood of a bid.

She replied: “Cities themselves must apply for the designation. I understand that Derry City Council and stakeholders in the City have indicated a desire to apply for the title.

“However, their current priority is to embed a legacy from the City of Culture 2013 and seek the Irish City of Culture designation in 2016.”

Ms Ní Chuilín said she was supportive of the bid for Irish City of Culture status and that she would also support Londonderry in any future bid for the European title.

“My Department does not have in place specific procedures to assist cities in seeking the EU City of Culture title, however, my officials are closely engaged with stakeholders in Derry and my Department provide on-going advice and support for organisations seeking European funding in line with Barosso Taskforce commitments,” she said.