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ABC Council asked to support calls for extra Public Holiday in Northern Ireland

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being asked to designate the first Monday in February in honour of St Brigid's with whom Armagh has close connections not least because of the famed Well within the city

Craigavon Civic Centre Council Chamber

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is being asked to throw its weight behind calls for an additional Public Holiday in Northern Ireland.

And the holiday that has been requested is to mark St Brigid’s Day.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently debated the matter and were supportive of giving an extra day.

They would like the first Monday in February to become a designated Public Holiday.

Armagh has a close association with St Brigid; indeed, the Palace Demesne in Armagh is home to the famed St Brigid’s Well.

Fermanagh and Omagh Council Chief Executive Alison McCullagh has written to ABC Council urging support.

In her letter, which goes to the May monthly meeting tonight (Monday), councillors are advised that she has been asked to write to Prime Minister Boris Johnson asking for the special change to the holiday year.

Ms McCullagh’s letter adds: “Such a designation would be in line with a recent decision by the Irish Government and would therefore result in a public holiday across the island of Ireland.

“At the Policy and Resources meeting held on 13 April 2022, Members asked that I write to you and to all Councils in Northern Ireland, to ask for your support in our efforts to secure this additional Public Holiday and any further steps they will take to initiate the required process.

“The Council trusts that you will give due consideration to this request and looks forward to receiving your response.”

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