Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Pairc Esler Concert gets green light after last night's Council meeting

Published: 30 June, 2009

The Sinn Féin Deputy Mayor of Newry and Mourne Council, Charlie Casey, has expressed his delight after it was agreed at last night's council meeting that an open air concert in Pairc Esler is to go ahead. The staging of the concert was brought into question after unionist politicians on the Peace 111 Southern Cluster Partnership opposed the event - as it would be held on a Sunday.

However, at last night's meeting a barrister advised that the Council decide whether or not the event should go ahead, and it was put to a vote. Unionists on the Council voted against the event, while all Sinn Féin councillors, together with some independents and some SDLP councillors, voted in favour. 4 SDLP councillors abstained.

Councillor Casey, who is also co-chair of the Southern cluster partnership, said

"I am delighted that this event is to go ahead. The concert will provide a fantastic day out for families in Newry and the rest of Counties Armagh and Down. It will also bring welcome visitors to the town which will provide a timely economic boost for the area in this difficult economic climate.

"Many people had expressed their frustration that the concert was jeopardised. I am glad that this decision can alleviate their concerns."

However Councillor Casey expressed his disappointment that 4 SDLP councillors abstained from the vote.

"For these councillors to abstain was to effectively vote against the event. I am extremely disappointed that again there are some in the SDLP who will take their lead from Danny Kennedy and the UUP without thinking how it can negatively impact on their constituents." Críoch