No United Nations flag at Mid and East Antrim buildings due to ‘£1,000’ cost

Instead the local authority will commemorate the landmark year with an event online.

The decision was reached after chief executive Anne Donaghy told a meeting of the borough council on Monday evening that the cost of purchasing three flags for civic centres in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena and paying staff would amount to approximately £1,000.

Larne Lough Councillor Gregg McKeen asked if there was “some other way to mark the anniversary of the UN rather than the expense of £1,000 for one day”.

He suggested the possibility of a social media campaign, which was seconded by Carrick Alderman Billy Ashe who noted “a lot of different ways that council can mark this occasion”.

Larne Lough Alliance Cllr Danny Donnelly commented: “I would say a lot of people would recognise the United Nations flag.

“£1,000 sounds very expensive to put up in three towns. I would ask where the costs come from.”

Chief executve Anne Donaghy indicated that each flag would cost between £170 and £200 and there was also the cost of staff to put them up and equipment would be needed.

Mrs Donaghy also noted the council already owns the flags used to mark Emergency Services Day on September 9 (read more here).

Cllr Donnelly said that he would go with the proposal to do something on social media instead.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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