City of Culture opportunities

THE arrival of tens of thousands of police and fire officers in NI for the World Police and Fire Games in 2013 will present a “golden opportunity” for Londonderry - then due to experience its year in the spotlight as UK City of Culture.

Culture Minister Nelson McCausland said he was in touch with the organisers of both the Games - when the PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) will host over 10,000 police and fire officers from around the world - and UK City of Culture 2013 and says a link-up is on the cards.

East Londonderry MLA Gregory Campbell pointed out the events were due to coincide whilst speaking at the Stormont Assembly.

Mr Campbell said: “It has been suggested that events be planned that straddle both occasions.”

He asked the Minister: “Will he ensure that his departmental officials will work resolutely to ensure that those events are successful wherever they may be held?”

Mr McCausland replied: “The Member is right to draw attention to the fact that the World Police and Fire Games will bring a large number of people to Northern Ireland.

“As he said, 2013 is also the year when the UK City of Culture has been awarded to Londonderry. It would be a golden opportunity to ensure that the benefits from that large number of visitors, in some way, flow to the city.