Ministers inspect progress on heritage schemes

The Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster have made a joint visit to Londonderry today to inspect two conservation schemes which were recently commenced as part of the Walled City Signature Project.

The schemes at St Columb's Cathedral and First Derry Presbyterian Church had been facing a funding shortfall after Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) listed building grants had been trimmed due to recent economic difficulties. However, officials from both departments have worked closely with the promoters and local elected representatives to ensure that they could proceed.

Minister Poots said: “I welcome the progress that has been made on these schemes. My department has now offered a combined investment of over £750,000 this year on the Signature Project schemes. This is in addition to a further £219,000 in funding to seven listed buildings in the council area. Together this is a high proportion of NIEA’s total grant budget of £3.5million for this year and a significant investment in the built heritage of this city.

Minister Foster said: "The potential obstacles affecting the progress of these two important schemes have been addressed and it is good to see them progressing on site. They both form a vital part of the Walled City Signature Project which is a key tourism, and therefore economic, initiative for Northern Ireland. A joined-up approach through partnership, and quick action, between Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), NIEA, project promoters and local MLAs has been important and I pay tribute to all of these efforts.

"As the Walled City Signature Project proves, our built heritage is important, not just for its character and appearance, but also for its economic and social potential. It is a source of pride and helps create associated good quality jobs in tourism, education and business. I commend the efforts of all in the city to realise the full potential of these important scheme."

Notes to editors:

1. The Walled City Signature Project is one of five tourism initiatives in Northern Ireland which have received investment from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board since 2005 to help them stand out as destinations to those thinking of visiting the region. The other schemes are: the Causeway Costal Route; Titanic and Maritime Belfast; St Patrick and Christian heritage; and the Mournes.
2. Since 2005, Londonderry has received improved signage, improved museum display facilities at the Tower Museum and centres around the walls, cultural animation funding, Conservation and Management Plans for the City Walls, and the restoration of the Playhouse as part of the project. In addition work is under way on environmental improvements to the Guildhall Square and, in addition to the three schemes mentioned, work to Aras Colmkille at the Long Tower and The Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall are due to be supported. Improved lighting to the walls to highlight their character is also in train.
3. Along with this the Northern Ireland Environment Agency(NIEA), the city council and others have brought forward complementary schemes such as continued conservation works to the city walls, a new management group and the restoration of its historic cannon.
4. NIEA’s grant was capped at £250,000 for individual schemes in November 2009. Along with the three schemes mentioned above, NIEA expects to contribute £219,000 to the restoration of seven listed buildings in the city during 2010.
5. A third affected project at the Guildhall has been the subject of similar efforts between NIEA,NITB, Derry City Council and MLAs and is currently the subject of a revised economic appraisal.
6. The ministers' visit will begin at 2pm with a walk on city walls to First Derry Presbyterian Church. They will then view the church before walking to St Columb's Cathedral.
7. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.