Write a commentA project Newry Rainbow Community have been working on since 2012 failed to get off the ground once again following Monday night’s decision by the District Development Committee of Newry and Mourne District Council not to go ahead with the Sinn Fein led proposal to Illuminate the Craigmore Viaduct in rainbow colours to mark the annual Pride in Newry Festival following a request from the group. In statements representatives from both Sinn Fein and the SDLP have expressed a desire to make it happen.
This years Pride in Newry Festival takes place from next Monday the 25th of August culminating in the Pride in Newry Parade and Concert on Saturday the 30th of August.
Following the vote which was narrowly lost at 12 votes against and 11 votes for, the SDLP’s Cllr Michael Carr is calling for Newry Council to investigate placing a permanent fixture at the 18 Arches viaduct to allow the landmark to be lit in different colours to celebrate cultural festivals and support charities throughout the year.
Cllr Carr said “Last night at Newry council it was proposed that the council pay several thousand pounds to light up 18 arches for the Newry Pride Festival on a temporary basis. It is our view that a temporary structure is not good enough and the council should immediately explore installing a permanent fixture to light the landmark up for a range of festivals and charities every year. If that results in a figure which represents value for money then Newry Pride, Breast Cancer Awareness and a host of other great causes can make use of it.
“The SDLP is fully supportive of Newry Pride and gay rights. Last night’s decision is in no way reflective of our steadfast support for the LGBT community. The opposite is true; our MPs have voted in favour of equal marriage at Westminster and our MLAs the same in Stormont, and even now we believe a piecemeal approach to lighting the arches for Newry pride isn’t good enough.
“In the interim, if the council Chief Executive can source a reduced price for lighting the viaduct this year, we will be more than happy to review the decision. We are elected to represent all the people in this area and that’s a duty we take very seriously.”
Sinn Fein’s Liz Kimmins said "Newry and Mourne Council have on several occasions approved the illumination of the Craigmore Viaduct to celebrate significant dates or highlight issues.
"Sinn Féin proposed that the viaduct should be illuminated again in support of the 2014 Newry Pride Festival and Parade.
"Now narrow-minded political interests on the Council have opposed the proposal, claiming that it is suddenly too expensive.
"In my opinion there was a nasty homophobic undertone to this debate.
"By refusing to support illuminating the viaduct these reactionary elements are living in the dark ages.
"This decision showed little tolerance and was certainly not an example of a modern, progressive inclusive council committed to positive change.
The Councillor confirmed that she and her colleagues would revisit the decision. "I believe that it should be possible in order to celebrate Pride in Newry, to illuminate either the Craigmore Viaduct or Newry Town Hall, with little burden to the Councils finances. I have asked the Council Group Leaders Committee to discuss this proposal as a matter of urgency.
A Newry Rainbow Community statement on their Facebook page added “The Newry Rainbow Community would like to put on record our recognition and sincere appreciation for the support of Newry & Mourne District Council over many years. Regardless of any isolated issue that may have been mis-interpreted, the NRC has always enjoyed huge support from the vast majority of Councillors, across the political spectrum, and has worked very closely and successfully with Council Officials.
“The support of the Council through a variety of funding initiatives has supported a dedicated drop-in Centre for lgb&t people in Newry City Centre as well as the Pride In Newry festival and Parade. Enabling the Craigmore Viaduct to be illuminated is a very good idea and will in future years be used to recognise and promote a wide range events, festivals and communities.
“We look forward to working with N&MDC to make this happen. We recognise and appreciate that Newry & Mourne District Council is one of the most progressive and forward-looking of the current 26, and its support for lgb&t issues and Newry's lgb&t community has been exemplary and cross-party.”
