A view of Ebrington, Derry (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live) The right of a small Church to hold open-air services with loudspeakers at a popular public square in Derry city is at the centre of a clash between MLAs from the SDLP and DUP . SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin has written to the Executive Office at Stormont , criticising the decision to give the green light to the Reformed Presbyterian Church for a series of 'pop-up' religious services at Ebrington Square this summer. The public venue, a former military parade ground at the old Ebrington military base in the Waterside area of the city, has been at the centre of a years-long, major redevelopment project since the base was first vacated by the army in the early 2000s.
Read more: Ebrington: Work on new Derry maritime museum to begin in spring as over £12m approved Read more: Two major plans for Ebrington redevlopment given the green light by Derry and Strabane council Management of the square, which overlooks Derry's iconic Peace Bridge between the Waterside and Cityside, along with oversight of the wider redevelopment project is the responsibility of the Executive Office at Stormont. Development has accelerated in recent years, with multiple businesses opening in the area, including a luxury hotel, art gallery, a bakery and several restaurants. The public square has been used for a myriad of events over the years including an Antiques Roadshow event and various concerts.
The open-air religious services, meanwhile, ha.