County Downcompany hasEbrington info

THE Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFDMFM) says it does not have details of how much was paid to individual service providers involved in the opening of Ebrington Square on St Valentine’s Day as they were appointed by the County Down company which managed the event.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they did not have a full list of service providers who benefited from the £150k opening.

The total bill for the opening of Ebrington Square on St Valentine’s Day was £150k with £14,580 forked out on performers, £19k on production equipment and £10k on security.

OFMDFM previously revealed the cost of performers - including Bronagh Gallagher, Codetta, Future Chaser, Inishowen Gospel Choir and The Wonder Villains - was £12,150 plus £2,430 in VAT.

But in response to a query from Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey the OFMDFM Ministers said the Dromore-based events management company which won the £20k contract to open the former barracks was the only entity that had a breakdown of costs.

The Ministers stated: “An Events Management company was procured by ILEX through an open competition in line with Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) protocol to manage the opening of the Ebrington Parade Ground.

“The Events Management company appointed the service providers for the opening ceremony. OFMDFM does not therefore hold the information requested.”

Despite the award of the contract outside the city 70 per cent of goods and services for the St Valentine’s Day extravaganza were procured locally.