SDLP Derry City and Strabane District Council Group Leader councillor Brian Tierney has welcomed the go-ahead for a Kneecap concert at Templemore Sports Complex.
Councillor Tierney proposed licensing be granted for the event at a council meeting on Thursday.
The gig was originally set to take place at St Columb’s Park on November 2nd, but has been moved to the Templemore Sports Complex on November 23.
Councillor Tierney said: “I welcome a positive resolution to this saga and was glad to propose council grant licensing for this much anticipated event at a meeting today.
“Young people from right across Derry and further afield are really looking forward to this concert and it’s important that we expand our musical offering and continue to attract top performers to our city.
“It’s really unfortunate that we have ended up in this position and the actions of some unionist politicians during this process has been deeply concerning.
“Nobody has the right to try and veto arts or cultural events because they don’t like the content, and I know that there was much upset in the local community when a mixed area was described as only belonging to one part of our community – those days are long behind us.
“Derry is a shared city where respect of each other’s culture and identity is key.
“I am proud of the huge amount of progress that has been made to the point where people of all traditions and none can feel confident being themselves and living their lives.
“This episode sought to undermine that and those responsible should reflect on their actions and words and the harm that was caused.”
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