£35,000 boost for activities on Derry's famous walls

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan today announced £35,000 funding to support a programme of activities on Derry City Walls this year.

The funding will support the City Walls Heritage Project, organised by the Holywell Trust, to encourage the tourist interest in the Walls and to bring their unique story to life through living history events.

These include establishing a dedicated group of Walls living history performers, providing accessible information for visitors, researchers and schools; producing a detailed book on the Walls and supporting the delivery of the 2014 Walls quatercentennial event in August 2014.

Mark H Durkan said: “The historic Walls of Derry look better today than they ever have done in the past. Over the last decade a number of stakeholders, not least Derry City Council, have worked with my Department to keep the history and unique story of the Walls alive to both tourists and locals.

"The fruits of their labours are clear for all to see. The Walls are the largest monument in state care in the North and the seventh most visited attraction. Last year visitor guides in 12 different languages were produced by my department and work to maintain the structure, light it and to remove graffiti was also carried out.

“Building on that this funding will help to further bring the walls to life in 2014.

“The Walls are an intrinsic part of Derry’s history and heritage. Since the 17th century, they have lined the City and make Derry one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. I am committed to working towards a better environment and a stronger economy in Northern Ireland and today’s funding will enable Derry to make a substantial contribution to this goal.”