OPINION: Rethink needed on Derry's largest public arena Ebrington Square

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When first re-developed, Ebrington Square was hailed as transformative – the largest outdoor arena in the north west and the new launching pad for major events and celebrations.

But those events have been few and far between, particularly in recent years. Now it has emerged that this summer, instead of a packed programme of large scale festivals, we will have just two - that is simply not good enough.​

When you visit Ebrington, you cannot fail but be impressed by the redevelopment of many of the buildings and the views from the square out over the River Foyle are spectacular. It is a picture postcard setting, offering vistas of the ancient cityscape, the iconic Peace Bridge and the hills of Donegal making for an incredible backdrop to any large scale, open-air event. But the centrepiece of the entire site, the former parade ground itself, for most of the year is just a big empty space.​

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The long-term plan was always to transfer Ebrington to the local Council, but it still remains under The Executive Office. There are hopes that Council, given its track record of delivering world class festivals and events, and partners, could develop a much more animated and vibrant year-round programme of events. That would, however, require significant and continuous central government funding and, surely, the city of culture and the wider NW deserves that.​

Ebrington Square in Derry.Ebrington Square in Derry.
Ebrington Square in Derry.

There are reviews ongoing but, wherever responsibility lies in the years ahead, surely there has to be a better way to utilise and revive this prime arena. We got a taste of its potential back in 2013. But that was then. What about now?

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