Derry's Ebrington Square concert plan approved by councillors

Ebrington hosted acts such Calvin Harris, Bruno Mars and Rita Ora as part of BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2013

Proposals that could allow up to five outdoor concerts to be held in Londonderry's Ebrington Square each year have been approved by councillors.

The plans were backed by Derry City and Strabane District Council's business and culture committee on Friday.

It would see the council manage an application for promoters hoping to hold events at the site.

Responsibility for event management would remain with Stormont's Executive Office.

The square has been managed by the Executive Office since 2016.

Ebrington's use as a concert venue has been at the centre of a dispute over recent months. In August four concerts scheduled for the square had their permission withdrawn by the Executive Office.

That followed a threat of legal action by the Ebrington Hotel, which opened at the square in July.

The gigs were then approved after the hotel dropped its objection amid a public backlash.

Then in September the Executive Office was criticised after confirming it had paid almost £300,000 in compensation to three parties, including a payment of £150,000 to the hotel.

Ebrington, which closed as a military site in 2003, has been managed by the Executive Office since 2016

On Friday the council's head of culture Aeidin McCarter told the committee that a longer-term solution to events management at the site was being considered.

The plan approved on Friday would allow "events confirmed in time for them to be announced and tickets on sale for the Christmas gift market", she added.

Concerts and large events have been held in Ebrington Square since the former parade ground was regenerated and opened to the public in 2012.

It has hosted some of the biggest music events ever held in Derry, including BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2013.

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Last month the Social Democratic and Labour Party called for Ebrington to be handed over to Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The new arrangements approved by councillors will only apply to concerts proposed for 2024. The plan will now go before full council this month for ratification.