19/10/2016

Statue Of Rock Legend Rory Gallagher Approved

Planning permission has been approved to build a statue of Irish rock legend Rory Gallagher to be put up at the Ulster Hall in Belfast.

Belfast City Council gave the go-ahead at a meeting on Tuesday night, 18 October.

The decision will now go before a full council for final approval.

Gallagher died in 1995 at the age of 47. He was born in Ballyshannon, Donegal, and made headlines with his band Taste.

Alliance Councillor Mervyn Jones said: "I was pleased to see this proposal come to the Planning Committee, and even more pleased to offer it my full support. Rory Gallagher brought his incredible talent to entertain us in Belfast at a time when many other acts took us off their tour lists.

"I was privileged to see Rory play at the Ulster Hall and know personally how his music broke down barriers as young people came together from every community, united in their love of his music and incredible talent. His statue will be a great addition to the already rich cultural offering Belfast has for its citizens and visitors.

"I thank the Wilgar Community Forum for bringing this proposal forward and look forward to visiting the statue."

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the decision.

She said: "I welcome the fact that Belfast City Council's planning committee has approved the proposal.

"Like many I am a fan of Rory Gallagher, he is a legendary guitarist who continues to influence many in the music industry.

"I think it is fitting that a statue honouring Rory Gallagher be erected at Belfast's Ulster Hall given that he played there regularly throughout his career."

(CD)

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