By Julie Waters
PLANS for two major music events in Bangor on the same day this summer could be in doubt after a furious row among councillors
Amid angry exchanges at a full council meeting, Unionists forced through a decision seeking a new report on the scheduling of the Ulster Pipe Band Championships and an All-Ireland Fleadh fringe event on August 1st.
Council officers have now been tasked with looking at a possible alternative date for the Fleadh event amid claims from Unionists that councillors were not given the opportunity to properly consider having both events on the same day.
However, the proposal drew sharp criticism from Alliance, Green and particularly from SDLP councillor Joe Boyle who had to apologise at one stage during the debate for claiming Unionists could not see the Fleadh event ‘far enough’.
The Bangor Fleadh Fringe event is proposed for the eve of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, in Belfast, the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture, which will be held from Sunday, August 2 to Sunday, August 9.
Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) is the host branch for Fleadh Belfast, and was a bid partner with Belfast City Council.
A budget of £40,000 had been earmarked for the Fleadh Fringe event and the hosting of the Ulster Championship Pipe Band event at Ward Park had a budget of £36,700.
Holding both the Fleadh event and Ulster Pipe Band Championship on August 1st was previously overwhelmingly approved by a council committee.
But when that decision came forward for ratification at the full council meeting, the DUP leader on the council, alderman Stephen McIlveen, sought a further report that considered ‘whether the fringe event could be held on a different day, what the financial and operational implications would be of each option and how we ensure proper member oversight and value for money’.
Stressing his support for the fleadh events, Mr McIlveen said his request was ‘not an objection to the Fleadh itself or indeed to a fringe event’.
“The Fleadh is a well-established cultural event and I recognise the potential value it brings in terms of visitors and economic activity for our borough,” he said. “That’s not in dispute.
“However the issue before us today is one of process, timing and governance, and on those grounds I am asking for a deferral to the committee for a short report on alternative options. Members will be aware that Bangor is already scheduled to host the Ulster Pipe Championships on the same day.
“This is a major event in its own right, one that requires significant officer involvement and council resources to be delivered safely and successfully. What concerns me is that members have not been given the opportunity to properly consider the implications of adding a Fleadh Fringe event on the same day, particularly when there has been limited consultation with elected members prior to this proposal coming forward.”
Mr McIlveen added there are also legitimate concerns around cost and capacity.
“If officers are already fully committed to delivering the Pipe Band Championships, we need clarity on what additional staffing, operational costs and external support will be required to run a fringe event alongside it.
“From what I can ascertain this is the reason why ratepayers are being asked to provide an additional £40,000, that we don’t have the staff to cover it. Based on my reading of the report, it would appear that if the event were held on a different day that officers would have the capacity to support this fringe event, and therefore it would not attract this level of cost. As things stand, for an event of this scale, this spend does not represent value for money.”
DUP councillor James Cochrane stated it was not about opposing the Fleadh or fringe event but was about ensuring the council ‘make well- informed decisions and use public money responsibly’.
“There are many very well run and popular events in our borough, including in my own district electoral area that are in need of financial assistance to ensure they can continue to be a success. Without exploring alternative arrangements, we are at risk to the perception that we are not treating everyone fairly,” he said.
UUPcouncillor Craig Blaney said he was ‘really excited’ to see both the Bangor and Belfast Fleadh events and stressed his concern was the proposed venue at Holborn Square car park.
He said the car park was ‘quite difficult to find’ and he had asked officers to consider other locations when the issue was first debated at the previous committee.
Independent councillor Steven Irvine said ‘there are plenty of events around this borough from different cultures who would have a proven track record of pulling in 4,000 to 5,000 people and they have to jump through hoops to get money.’
