New museum in Derry will ‘honour heritage and history’
Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Cllr Ruairí McHugh, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie and Junior Minister Joanne Bunting (PA)
A new museum in Derry will honour the “history, heritage and people” of the city, ministers have said.
Junior ministers Joanne Bunting and Aisling Reilly have welcomed the start of construction work on the £15m (€17m) Derry North Atlantic (DNA) Museum at Ebrington Square.
The new visitor attraction will create 14 new jobs.
The new museum facility will offer six galleries, a dedicated archive discovery zone, access to genealogy advice, a temporary exhibition space, multi-purpose learning and events space, cafe, retail and external interpretation space.
Ms Bunting said: “Since 2016, the Executive Office has invested over £37m (€42m) to transform and regenerate Ebrington.
“This additional £3.3m (€3.8m) will ensure the DNA Museum becomes a key part of that ongoing journey, and I am delighted that 14 jobs are being created.
“The DNA Museum will be a dynamic cultural space — one that honours [Derry's] rich history while also creating new opportunities for learning, tourism and community engagement.
“We are building something that will have lasting impact, and I want to thank everyone who has played a role in reaching this milestone.”
The DNA Museum is expected to be completed by Spring 2027.
Ms Reilly said: “It’s great to see work getting under way on the DNA Museum, which will tell the story of Derry’s incredible history, heritage and people.
“We are committed to promoting regional balance, and realising the full potential of the Ebrington site is a vital part of our vision for Derry and the north west.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this new landmark visitor attraction has on the local tourism economy and the significant benefits it brings to the city and wider region.”
The junior ministers were joined by communities minister Gordon Lyons, economy minister Caoimhe Archibald and local council and community representatives.
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