Town to celebrate 400th anniversary

THE council has approved funding for Lurgan's 400th anniversary celebrations.

Councillors were presented with proposals for a celebratory festival to mark the historic occasion.

Organisers for the festival outlined plans for a number of events throughout the year which could include a royal visit and the BBC Proms in the Park.

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Councillors were asked to approve funding of 133,100 for financial assistance towards the organisation of the event.

However, Sinn Fein councillors expressed their concern over the procedures and the amount of money concerned.

Mairead O'Dowd said: "We are not against this celebration in any shape or form.

"However, we have concerns over how this group came about and the procedures followed.

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"Only last month we struck a very favourable rate for the ratepayers.

"Yet I sit on the Rates Estimates Working Group which meets every month and this is the first I have heard about this amount of money.

"And this money is to come from the reserve."

The Mayor said she had set up the working group for the celebrations and invited all Lurgan councillors to the meetings.

Cllr O'Dowd said she had been unable to attend, "However, to ask the council to just approve this amount of funding without all the members of the council being made aware of the exact details goes against procedure.

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"We should consider deferring the matter until all details are before all members."

Councillor George Savage said it was vital the council supported the celebrations.

He said: "Far too often the council is accused of doing nothing and this is the chance to show what can be done."

Alderman Stephen Moutray said: "I am surprised and disappointed that Sinn Fein are using this to make political capital out of.

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"Lisburn spent somewhere in the region of half a million on its celebrations.

"I am not suggesting we spend anywhere near that but it is important we mark the history of the town."

Johnny McGibbon added: "It is not Sinn Fein's intention to hold Lurgan back.

"However, we are highlighting the spending of money and are entitled to do so without ridicule.

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"We have raised legitimate concerns and are willing to take part in the organising committee."

Funding has already been gained for the project from the Peace III initiative the Arts Council and Lurgan Forward.

Following a recorded vote at Monday night's council meeting the council approved its funding of 133,100.