Attwood visits regeneration work in Derry

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood visited Derry today to see at first hand the significant regeneration work carried out by his Department in the North West.

During his visit the Minister walked around the city’s historic walls to view some of the projects funded by the Department through the North West Development Office, including: Newmarket Street Public Realm Scheme, Artillery Chambers, the Northern Counties building and the Gasyard Centre. His walk concluded with an overview of the city centre public realm scheme, which is due to be completed next month.

Alex Attwood said: "It is important to see at first hand the many excellent projects in Derry funded by my Department. These projects showcase how the regeneration process in the city has progressed over the years. The refurbishment of historic buildings, the regeneration of housing estates and the creation of new public spaces are vital contributions to the creation of a vibrant future and a new period of success and prosperity for Derry.

“In my view, there is a good argument that pound for pound, government investment in urban regeneration is a key economic strategy out of recession; increasing footfall, creating new shops and new jobs. I will continue to make this case to my Executive Colleagues.”

The Minister also visited the newly refurbished World War 2 jetty at the Fort George site. The £1.5million renovation work on the jetty, completed by the Ilex Urban Regeneration Company, marks a further step in the preparation for development of this key site. It now provides access from the foot and cycle path onto the Foyle where the jetty can be used as a resting or destination point by walkers.

Alex Attwood continued: “This fully working jetty has facilities for mooring boats, recharging their batteries and taking on fresh drinking water. Access to the Foyle has also been provided for canoeists. These facilities will prove popular over the coming years, encourage greater use of the river and help bring next year’s Clipper Round the World Yacht Race right into the heart of the city.”

Aideen McGinley, the Chief Executive of Ilex, said: "These works provide access from the foot and cycle path, completed last year, out onto the River Foyle where the jetty can be used as a resting or destination point by walkers.”

Notes to editors:

1. Ilex was established in July 2003 and is the region’s only Urban Regeneration Company (URC). It is an NDPB under the sponsorship of OFMDFM and DSD.
2. Ilex was established to promote the physical, economic and social regeneration of Derry~Londonderry and was specifically tasked with the development of two former security bases, Ebrington and Fort George.
3. The Department, through its North West Development Office, acquired the Fort George site from the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commission and subsequently transferred responsibility for its development to Ilex.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.