Council's two year old trip bill

Derry City Council still owes £8,000 for the visit in 2006

Derry City Council still owes £8,000 for flights taken two years ago, it has emerged.

The mayor and council officers went to Norway in 2006 to visit a company hoping to open a factory in Lisahally.

Council officials have recommended that the council pays its own way to maintain its independence and avoid being seen to be compromised.

A spokesperson for the council said members had agreed they should pay half the cost of the trip.

The then mayor, Helen Quigley, said the outstanding bill must be paid.

"It should have been sorted long before now, and certainly it came as somewhat of a surprise to me.

"My understanding was at the time that this had been sorted.

"The council will pay the 50%," she said.