Martin as so many visitors to Derry saw him
MEMBERS of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee last night voted unanimously to approve full planning permission to install a memorial plaque on a plinth-type structure at the top entrance of Foyleside Shopping Centre, in memory of the late tour guide Martin McCrossan who died suddenly in 2015.
The memorial plaque will be located in the centre of existing circular street furniture that is located at the top entrance of the shopping centre, where Orchard Street and Bridge Street meet.
Welcoming the decision, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee Cllr Dan Kelly said he was delighted the application was approved and that a permanent tribute would be located in the heart of the city centre to reflect the tremendous work carried out by the late Martin McCrossan.
“This memorial is a fitting tribute to a man who was responsible for his positive promotion of Derry and his tireless work to put Derry and the wider North West region on the map. We are delighted that the memorial has been approved and that there will be a permanent structure located in the heart of the city that will reflect his lasting legacy,” he said.
Members at the meeting last night were informed by planning officers that the location of the memorial was deemed acceptable at the Foyleside Shopping Centre location given the fact that Martin McCrossan’s walking tours depart daily from this location.
The memorial plaque will read Martin McCrossan Tourism Hero 1962-2015 and include a photograph that will be etched into the plaque with a written tribute as follows: “A true champion and ambassador for the City.
The driving force behind the tourism industry who left a lasting positive impression on everyone who met him.”
