New Derry Walls Manager announced

The Department for Communities (DfC) has announced the appointment of a Derry Walls Manager. The post marks a new milestone in the care and development of this historic structure, which is the largest upstanding Monument in State Care in Northern Ireland.

Derry Walls

For the first time, day to day management of the monument will be based in the city, improving responsiveness to issues as they arise and, as innovative uses and visitor numbers continue to grow, helping to ensure that events are well coordinated and necessary permits are dealt with quickly. Tasks such as dealing with weeds, graffiti and seasonal issue works will also be overseen, as will the monitoring activity of the existing Walls Wardens.  

The Manager, Aisling Gallagher, will report to the multi-agency Walls Management Group which has been coordinating management of the monument since 2009. She will also be tasked with developing and coordinating further initiatives to help ensure that the Monument can reach its full potential as a community asset and visitor attraction.

The Department is supporting the City Centre Initiative, a member of the Management Group which it already supports to employ the Walls Wardens, to develop this post.

Iain Greenway, Director of the Historic Environment Division of DfC said:  “I am delighted that DfC have been able to support this post which will bring a long held aim into being. With visitor numbers exceeding 2013 levels and the Walled City a key part of the District Council’s tourism strategy, it has become increasingly important that the management of the monument is responsive to issues and is well coordinated. This is best achieved through a local and dedicated manager. I understand that the CCI have appointed Aisling  Gallagher to the post and I wish her well as she carries out this work over coming years.”

Aisling Gallagher said: “City Centre Initiative has worked closely with the Department for Communities, and members of the Derry Walls Management Group over the years to ensure our city Walls are well maintained and managed. I believe my role of Walls Manager sits well within the company, alongside the ongoing role of our City Centre Wardens.

“The Walls are extremely important to the economy of the city, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Their historical significance and economic potential are immeasurable. With an increase in events taking place on the Derry Walls, there is now a strong need for local management to work closely with event organisers to ensure the safe delivery of future events.  I will work to encourage more local involvement in the management of activities on the walls which will have a greater benefit to the city.”

Notes to editors: 

1              For further information on Derry Walls filming, activities or events, please contact Aisling Gallagher, Derry Walls Manager on aisling@cciderry.com or telephone    028 7136 0169.

2              For information on the Walls Management Group and on the associated Conservation Plan  and Management Plan for the monument  please go to the Derry Walls page of Communities NI.

3              For updates on the Department for Communities follow us on Twitter - @CommunitiesNI

4              For media enquiries or images please contact the DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3532 or out of office hours contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.

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