Council welcomes funding commitment for Derry projects

A Letter of Offer confirming funding for development works for the Brandywell have been approved by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and is expected to be with the local authority by end of week next week..

The OFMDFM through the Social Investment fund is allocating circa £3m to the Council area to include for three projects, the Brandywell Stadium development project, a community pavilion at Leafair and a GAA pitch at the Top of the Hill, Corrody Road area.

The total cost for Brandywell stadium development is currently estimated at around £6.25m, with £4.47m being allocated by Council for the stadium development and the remainder of the funding being provided by OFMDFM. The Brandywell development project is one of a number of investment and regeneration project included in Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Capital Investment Fund that was approved by Full Council in August. Welcoming the announcement, Mayor Cllr Elisha McCallion said the investment was “excellent news” for the city and region and marked a “significant” investment by OFMDFM in the city and region. Cllr McCallion added: “The Council is delighted that funding for three sports and community facilities in the Derry area has been approved through the Social Investment Fund.

“The Social Investment Fund was set up to deliver social change and I am confident that the people of the Brandywell, Leafair and Top of the Hill will greatly benefit from this significant investment by providing better facilities, improving the local environment and increasing the health and well being of those living and working in these areas.” She explained an updated paper outlining the next stages of the process, including procurement and timelines for the delivery of the projects, would be presented to elected members of the Health and Community Committee later this month for consideration and approval.

She added: “Ongoing consultation with the local community and user groups will also be an important part of that process.”

The Mayor concluded that the ongoing works to demolish the Glentoran stand *pictured) at the Brandywell, and a section of the site boundary wall adjoining the Lonemoor Road, was continuing on schedule.