Is Derry 'ripping the back' out of its City of Culture year?

A prominent politician has said there is a perception that Derry is ‘ripping the back’ out of its City of Culture year.

Since the 2013 celebrations ended, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has been funding a number of City of Culture ‘legacy’ projects.

However, Nelson McCausland , who is chair of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, which scrutinizes the work of DCAL, has questioned the continued funding of these projects.

Speaking at a meeting of the committee at Stormont last week, the DUP MLA said people living in other parts of Northern Ireland believe that Derry is ‘ripping the back’ out of the City of Culture year.

“The legacy projects, how long are they going to last? How many years? Will it be 3013 and there will still be a legacy?” Mr McCausland said.

Derry’s year as UK City of Culture in 2013 was regarded as a huge success.

During the year, the city hosted a large number of major events, including Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival.

For more on Mr McCausland's comments see today's Derry News.