Elected members agree to fund permanent Rainbow Crossing in support of Foyle Pride
28 May 2021
Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Elected Members have approved funding of up to £22,000 for the construction of a permanent rainbow pedestrian crossing in the Council area to show support for the district's LGBTQ+ community.
It follows a request from Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Brian Tierney, to ask for support for the campaign which was approved by Members in December.
There are rainbow crossings across the world to show support for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and the proposed crossing between the Peace Bridge and the Guildhall will be the first of its kind in Ireland.
“This decision paves the way for a permanent artwork to be placed at a prominent crossing in the city to show the world that we are a Council area that supports equal rights for all and celebrates diversity,” said Mayor Tierney.
"Foyle Pride carry out crucial work in representing the LGBTQ+ community in the North West and in campaigning for equal rights and solidarity with the global LGBTQ+ community and I was delighted to bring forward the request for this crossing on their behalf.
"I would like to express my personal thanks to Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon for accommodating this request and to Council’s elected members for their support through the approval of funding.”
Foyle Pride 2020 initiated the process last year to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the first parade in the City.
A presentation by sub committee members Catherine Hemelryk, Sha Gillespie and Jim Doherty to Mayor Tierney received a positive response.
The Mayor wrote to the Minister for Infrastructure outlining Council’s position and requesting funding for the installation of the crossing between the end of the Peace Bridge and the Guildhall.
The Minister advised that it was not possible for her department to fund such an initiative but they would assist by facilitating its installation.
An underspend in the Mayoral Programme due to the Covid 19 pandemic freed up funds for a Mayoral initiative which Elected Members have approved to be spent on the construction of the crossing.
Foyle Pride 2020 Spokesperson Jim Doherty thanked the Council and Mayor Brian Tierney especially for his support in securing the necessary funding.