Ministers visit historic churches

The Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster inspected two conservation schemes which recently commenced as part of the Walled City Signature Project.

The schemes at Londonderry’s oldest building, St Columb's Cathedral, and First Derry Presbyterian Church on the city walls, had been facing a funding shortfall after the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) listed building grants was 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.

In the case of First Derry church, the congregation has been in ‘exile’ for seven years while awaiting the refurbishment, which is badly needed due to dry rot.

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."

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.

Work on the restoration of First Derry Presbyterian Church finally began on Monday of last week after the prospect of a funding shortfall briefly imperilled progress on the project.