Council pressed on financial support for St Columb's Visitor Plan

The SDLP MP has written to the Council Chief Executive Valerie Watts urging the provision of "appropriate financial support" for the proposed new Visitor Plan for the historic Cathedral.

Mr Durkan said: "The Dean of Derry, Rev William Morton, has set out a strong case for particular financial support to be made available for the provision of a range of visitor-tailored activities, programmes and events in the lead up to and during City of Culture 2013.

"I do appreciate that Council faces a challenging fiscal environment. Nevertheless, Council will no doubt wish to continue its worthy assistance to projects and activities which provide a particular tourism and wider economic stimulus to our city.

He said the importance of St Columb's in terms of Londonderry's built heritage was "totemic" and deserving of the utmost support.

"Council will further wish to support activities which seek to maximise the cultural and heritage benefits of our built heritage, including those with a totemic citywide impact. The Cathedral undoubtedly represents a key attraction to our city and the wider Northwest region," he said.

"I have therefore asked for due consideration to be given to the proposal from the Dean and Select Vestry including its Visitor Management and Development Plan with a view to providing appropriate financial support from Council," he added.