DSD pledge £10m to Ilex and City of Culture

THE Department of Social Development (DSD) will spend £10m on the Ilex Regeneration Plan and Londonderry’s City of Culture 2013 over the next two financial years.

Elsewhere, the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) says it will pump over £23m in capital investment into the Ebrington barracks site over the next five years.

According to DSD’s Draft Budget proposals for 2011-15 there will be no capital allocation towards the urban regeneration company’s ambitious plan to transform the city or Londonderry’s year in the cultural spotlight after 2012/13.

The budget carve-up proposes a £5m capital allocation both in 2011/12 and 2012/13 but then the funding stops.

A spokesman for the Department of Social Development (DSD) said: “Minister Attwood remains committed to fully play his part in the regeneration of Derry. DSD was the only ministry which bid for new capital monies for the City of Culture 2013 and secured £10 million.”

Meanwhile, under the OFMDFM draft budget proposals capital investment will continue to pour into the development of the Ebrington Barracks with a total allocation of £23.12 set aside for the 2011-15 period.

OFMDFM intends allocating £4.42m in 2011/12; £1.80m in 2012/13; £2.80m in 2013/14 and a considerable £14.10m in 2014/15.

The Office’s draft budget document states: “OFMDFM is committed to maintaining momentum in the regeneration of each of its strategic sites across the Budget 2010 period.

“Given the capital constraints the Department will operate within, capital spend in the 2011/12 financial year will be focused on the existing capital commitments at the Ebrington Barracks, Maze Long Kesh, and Crumlin Road Gaol sites.”

It also suggests next year will prove a landmark year for Ilex.

“This will see the roll out of the regeneration masterplan and the completion of the Peace Bridge across the River Foyle and the Parade Ground infrastructure at the Ebrington Barracks site, providing an important platform for the new regeneration plan ‘One Plan, One City, One Voice’ and the City of Culture celebrations in 2013,” it says.

In relation to DSD’s proposed expenditure a spokesman said: “This is further proof of his and DSD’s commitment to Derry.

“At the same time DSD hopes to take forward the decontamination and development of Fort George and other projects in the City. As the Guildhall public realm proves, DSD puts its monies where its mouth is.

“As of now, there is only a draft Budget which the Minister is still in negotiations over.

“The bids made by DSD were: In total my Department has made bids of £68m capital from 2011/12 to 2014/15 for the North West area to cover Neighbourhood Renewal (£8m), Urban Development Grant and Public Realm schemes (£20m), the City of Culture (£8m) and implementation of the Regeneration Plan (£32m) which includes the regeneration of Fort George.

“If budget allocations are confirmed, my Department would be in a position to develop projects across the built environment, public spaces, streetscapes, the riverfront, parks and green spaces.

“My Department is also aware of a growing private sector interest in the City surrounding the success of the City of Culture bid and we will give due consideration to all projects whose progression will match the needs for the City of Culture and the wider DSD social agenda.,” concluded the Culture Minister.