AQO 1800/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities what engagement he is planning with Belfast City Council, Comhaltas and Ards CCÉ in advance of the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Asked by Andrew McMurray MLA on 20 March 2025
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 20 March 2025
- Answer due by
- 31 March 2025
- Answered
- 31 March 202511 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 31 March 2025. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr Lyons
I met representatives from Belfast City Council and Comhaltas last week. The delivery of that large-scale event requires commitment from many partnership organisations. I am pleased that the Arts Council — an arm's-length body of my Department — is available and more than willing to assist with advice and input as the plans develop.
Mr McMurray
I thank the Minister for the answer; it is very encouraging. Having spoken to local Comhaltas branches, I know that there is a desire to reach out to all aspects of traditional music in Northern Ireland. What can the Minister and his Department do to further encourage the sharing of musical traditions at such events as Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann?
Mr Lyons
That is exactly what we discussed during last week's meeting. We want to ensure that all traditions and types of music are represented. We want to ensure that, on that stage, we get an opportunity to showcase not just Belfast but Northern Ireland and our rich cultural and musical heritage.
Mr K Buchanan
The Minister has more or less covered my question. I take it that the Minister will agree that the fleadh should have representation from the wide range of culture and music that exists across Northern Ireland.
Mr Lyons
Yes, absolutely; in fact, the marching band tradition in Northern Ireland was mentioned, and its richness and significance was highlighted. Belfast attained UNESCO City of Music status in November 2021. That was because of the wide range of music and cultural traditions that we have. The marching bands are an important part of that.
Mr McGlone
Le déanaí, labhair ceannaire an pháirtí, Claire Hanna, as Gaeilge in Westminster, í ag cur fáilte roimh Fhleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Chuir sí cuireadh ar an Phríomh-Aire, atá ag dúil le freastal ar an fhleadh.
Will the Minister attend?
Mr Lyons
I am sorry. I was trying to find the translation of that, so I do not think that I heard all of it. If there was an invite, I would be more than happy to take up that invitation and use it as an opportunity to highlight Belfast and Northern Ireland on the world stage.