The controversial awning which caused a stir when it blocked the Derry Girls mural in Derry has been reinstalled after the public believed it had been removed.
The decision to install the awning in September proved divisive.
When in place the roof structure obscures the mural depicting the characters in the much-loved series set in Derry.
It had become popular with tourists who get their pictures taken in front of it on a daily basis.
Now, just days after being removed when many people expressed relief at a U-turn, it is being re-erected outside Badgers Bar on Orchard Street.
There was disbelief from some people in the city with one person commenting on social media, “what’s going on hi?”
Others suggested it’s entirely the choice of the business whether they want it up or not to accommodate customers in an outside space.
Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee, second from left, with cast members Dylan Llewellyn , Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland and Nicola Coughlan when they visited the ‘Derry Girls’ mural painted by UV Artists on the gable wall of Badger’s Bar, Derry. Picture by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye from 2018
Planning permission for an awning was granted in 2022.
Earlier this week the council said permission “did not include the awning and structure in the elevation where the Derry Girls mural is located”.
A spokesperson added: “Council has been engaging directly with the applicant in relation to this matter.”
Yesterday, filming took place at the mural for Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee’s new Netflix comedy series ‘How to get to Heaven from Belfast’.
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Market Street in Derry city centre was temporarily closed on Wednesday to accommodate the film crew.
Scenes were also expected to be shot in the Bogside.
The day prior, filming took place in the Ponderosa Bar and Restaurant on the Glenshane Road in County Derry.
The lead cast will include Roísín Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan and Caoilfhionn Dunne as three childhood friends, now in their late 30s, who come together over news of a fourth friend’s death, leading them on a dark, dangerous and hilarious odyssey through Ireland and beyond as they try to piece together the truth of the past.
Workers reinstall the awning.
Creator, writer and executive producer Lisa McGee previously said: “I couldn’t be more excited to start production on How To Get To Heaven From Belfast.
“I’ve loved writing Saoirse, Robyn and Dara — three flawed, funny women who are about to embark on the most thrilling and terrifying adventure of their lives.
“A mystery full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and make you laugh out loud. Let’s go girls!”
The eight-part Netflix series is being produced by Hat Trick Productions, a company that brought us Father Ted, Derry Girls, and Have I Got News For You.
Brian J. Falconer produces, while executive producers include McGee, Michael Lennox, Caroline Leddy (Derry Girls, The Inbetweeners), Liz Lewin (Derry Girls), and Jimmy Mulville.
The bar said it will not be making any comment at this time.
News Catch Up – Thursday 17 October