Sinn Féin Councillors slam decision on zoo light switch off

North Belfast Sinn Fein Councillors Conor Maskey and Tierna Cunningham have criticised the recent decision by the Council's Park's Committee not to allow a Laser Light display as part of Belfast Zoo's 75th Anniversary Celebrations.
Branding the decision as an exercise in 'Doom and Gloom Politics' the councillors are appealing for the decision to be overturned at May's full council meeting.
"For two months in a row now we have debated at the Park's and Leisure Committee the merits of proposals put forward by Zoo staff as to how they can maximise interest through its 75th Anniversary this year,” said Councillor Conor Maskey.
"There has been agreement by parties on all but one propsal. Zoo staff wanted to put a moving Lazer Light display on Cavehill for three weeks in the Autumn which they estimate would be witnessed by approximately half a million people.
"The cost of this is estimated at £8,500 and compared with most other council initiatives is relatively a very small amount of money.
"The DUP, supported by SDLP councillor Niall Kelly, who happens to also work for North Belfast Councillor Alban Maginness MLA, have consistently retreated to doom and gloom politics by insisting that this would be a waste of money in the current economic climate.
"Sinn Féin, like everybody else, are not blind to the current economic problems, however we believe we should support the efforts of staff at the Zoo to attract more interest in its work and of course more visitors.”
Commenting on the impact the decision would have on Zoo staff Councillor Tierna Cunningham said:
"We were the only party to meet Zoo staff to seek their opinions in this matter and they are very passionate about the Lazer Light idea. The councillors who voted against this idea have completely de-valued the good work of Zoo staff.
"We believe that Councillors should be getting down from whatever pedestal they believe they are on and properly engage with council staff on issues such as these."