Derry Culture Company appoints new Project Director

The man in charge of one of Dublin's biggest cultural organisations is taking up a new post with the Culture Company in Londonderry.

Dermot McLaughlin begins a one-year secondment as project director on Monday.

Mr McLaughlin is currently the chief executive of the Temple Bar Cultural Trust and is originally from Derry.

Derry based economist Paul Gosling described the secondment as a "significant appointment."

"His job will be to sit alongside the Chief Executive of the Culture Company Shona McCarthy to strengthen the City of Culture organisation.

"He will strengthen the organisation's administration, and also the relationships between City of Culture and all the other key stakeholders.

"It is an excellent appointment, he has a very impressive CV.

"Since 2003 he has been Chief Executive of Temple Bar in Dublin which is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in terms of cultural quality and attracting tourists.

"He clearly has the skills and is an excellent musician as well.

"There have been a lot of questions asked in recent weeks and he will be there to answer these questions.

"My understanding is that he will report to Derry City Council."