SINN Féin couincillor and former Mayor Elisha McCallion has welcomed the lodging of the final bid for European Youth Capital by Derry & Strabane District Council.
Councillor McCallion said: “I welcome the report by Oonagh McGillion, Council’s Director of Legacy, that DCSDC has lodged the final bid for European Youth Capital and that over 10,000 young people participated in the consultation.
“It gives me great satisfaction as it was one of my priority initiatives in my Mayoral year to secure this prestigious accolade for our youth and City & District.
“To this end I worked with the business sector, met with investors and drove the bid to secure European Youth Capital (EYC) status for 2019.
“If successful, it could see the city and district, and wider region, reap huge economic and social benefits.
“Securing the EYC for Derry and Strabane would be a major coup for the entire region.
“It would enhance our cultural, social, political and economic life and give us a greater profile in terms of showcasing our tourismoffering and our unique history.
“It will allow us to showcase the vibrancy of our young people and their creativity, helping us deliver youth based activities and opportunities.
“It will encourage young people’s involvement in developing and shaping policies affecting their futures.
“During preparation for the bid, a lot of effort was invested in direct engagement with young people and the wider population across the community, voluntary, statutory and youth sectors in an effort to identify the real issues affecting young people.
“It is tremendous to see that over 10,000 young people participated in consultation for preparing the final bid and I have every confidence that their input will serve us in good stead in this final stage of the process.
“I congratulate Oonagh McGillion and all of the Council staff who were part of preparing the bid and wish them well in their efforts.”
