Irish tourist body to pull city funding

Tourism Minister Arlene Foster told the Assembly she was aware of the issue and that the Visitor and Convention Bureau in Londonderry has been in touch with the southern tourist body to negotiate the matter.

She told the Assembly: “I am aware that the Visitor and Convention Bureau in Londonderry has contacted Fáilte Ireland to request an urgent meeting to discuss the matter.

“I understand that those discussions are ongoing and that no final decision has been reached. I have asked

the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to keep me informed of developments.

“I do not want to say too much more about the issue, because, as she will appreciate, it affects a member of staff.

I will leave it at that. However, I assure her that I am aware of the issue, and that I will keep an eye on the matter to see what happens.”

A DETI spokesperson told the Sentinel: “Discussions on the subject of Failte Ireland funding and presence at the Tourist Information Centre in Londonderry are ongoing between Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau (DVCB) and Fáilte Ireland with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial outcome.

“Collaboration between the two organisations will continue on an ongoing basis.”