DURKAN LOBBIES MINISTER OVER DERRY LISTED BUILDING CUTS

Foyle MP Mark Durkan has written to the Environment Minister Edwin Poots requesting a meeting to discuss his department’s decision to cap the listed building repair grant to £250k per annum – which will affect works to be carried out on the Guildhall, St Columb’s Cathedral and the First Derry Presbyterian Church in the city.

Mr Durkan said:

“I have written to Edwin Poots to highlight my concern that a cap of £250,000 per year will be placed on each repair project funded through the Grants Scheme for Listed Buildings from 2010/11. 

“I am disappointed that among the schemes due to be affected are three parts of the Walled City Signature Destination Project, namely works to the Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral and First Derry Presbyterian Church. 

“I have been a strong advocate of the Walled City Signature project not only as a vital upgrading of the tourism offer in our city but also as a result of the wider social, good relations and cultural benefits which it brings. 

“Over the period ahead we are going to see Edwin Poots and other ministers trying to stretch budgets to cover projects.  However, I don’t believe that saying no project will get more than £250,000 is the answer.

“We need to sit down and have a straight talk with clear heads about what we are doing here because these are absolutely landmark buildings. They are a key part of our city image; they are a key part of our offer to tourists and they are a key part of any aspiration we have to being a seriously shared city with a quality built heritage.

“I am keen that all possible avenues are explored to address possible funding options for the proposed financial shortfalls.  I have therefore asked the Minister for an early meeting to discuss potential ways forward.” 

ENDS

18-12-09