Antrim and Newtownabbey buildings to light up blue for UN milestone

The United Nations Association Northern Ireland says that Parliament Buildings at Stormont will also be lit up and it is hoped that academic institutions will also mark UN Day.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed to mark the anniversary online after deciding against flying a flag due to the cost involved.

The cost of purchasing flags for civic buildings in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena, equipment and paying staff was said to amount to £1,000.

Carrick DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE said at the time: “There are a lot of different ways that council can mark this occasion.” Read here

The Association said that when the group marked the UN’s 70th anniversary,  in 2015, every one of the then newly created local councils held a reception for local schools and accepted a commemorative copy of the UN Charter.

Patricia Irvine, chairperson of the United Nations Association Northern Ireland, commented: “We were delighted when all 11 councils were able to highlight the 70th anniversary as they did, and while we would have wished to carry out similar and new activities this year, this will not be possible presently.

“We are, however, still keen to mark the 75th anniversary and wish to thank Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for taking part to help us mark the special day.”

Last July, Antrim and Newtownabbey Council agreed to form an all-party working group to decide a policy of lighting its main council civic buildings.

This will take place at the exterior façade of Antrim Civic Centre, the interior white wall of floor one at Mossley Mill and the clock face of Ballyclare Town Hall.

A proposed annual schedule of “light ups” are intended to reflect the “diverse sections of the community”.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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