IRELAND’S only eternal peace flame, which went out last year, has been restored beside Derry’s Guildhall.
The installation at the city’s Peace Garden is one of 15 worldwide and was first lit as part of the “Bright, Brand New Day” initiative in 2013.
While designed never to go out, the flame was extinguished last October due to technical problems.
Derry City and Strabane District Council also revealed that the structure housing the flame has been the subject of ongoing vandalism.
Mayor Maolíosa McHugh yesterday said they were delighted to say that after much repair work, the "peace flame is now up and running again".
The Sinn Féin councillor said the flame is a symbol of hope and peace and should be enjoyed by everyone.
“Unfortunately, however, it has also been a regular target for vandals which has resulted in some damage to the flame over the years," he said.
“I want to commend everyone who has worked so hard to restore it and take this opportunity to appeal to everyone to ensure that, in keeping with the spirit that it represents, the flame is now treated with the respect it deserves."
Derry Presbyterian minister David Latimer, who was responsible for bringing the flame to Derry, said the difficulties surrounding it showed how the achievement of peace is a gradual process.
“The brightly burning Derry/Londonderry peace flame represents the change we each can make by the way we think, speak, feel and act so as to bring about a better future for all,” he said.
The flame was launched as part a five-day peace initiative during Derry's City of Culture year in 2013.
Among those to attend the unveiling was Martin Luther King III, son of the assassinated US civil rights leader.
