City may not be investment zone

LONDONDERRY may not be regarded as a separate investment zone under the new Social Investment Fund with First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness yet to decide on whether or not to include the city in a wider Greater North West zone.

The Ministers said a number of potential zones including separate Londonderry and Greater North West zones were suggested in a consultation document on the proposals.

“Having had an opportunity to consider the consultation responses, we recognise that the geographical spread of the zones has been one of the issues which received the most comment and on which people had raised key concerns,” a joint statement advised.

“Whilst decisions have not yet been taken in respect of the final location of the Zones, including whether Derry/Londonderry will be a zone we can assure you that, in light of the consultation responses, we are giving careful consideration to this aspect of the Fund.

“We hope to have the fund as early as possible this year.”