Murphy: 'I can't afford City of Derry grant'

TRANSPORT Minister Conor Murphy can't afford to grant Derry City Council funding for Eglinton airport - the business case for which has not met "the necessary financial tests" - but he has asked the Executive to release money for the strategic hub.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Jun 2010, 11:34 BST

The Minister for Regional Development (DRD) said the airport was important to the economic development of Londonderry and that he has proposed the Executive release funding for the facility when resources can be made available.

Budget constraints mean Mr Murphy cannot afford to support a Council funding application for the airport with grant aid.

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SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey asked the Minister to outline his Department's assessment and current position in relation to the business case for the City of Derry Airport and a subsequent application for funding.

He replied: "I have proposed that the Executive should support Derry City Council's application for additional funding for the airport, as and when resources can be made available. There is insufficient provision in my Department's budget to support an offer of grant.

"Although the business case has not met the necessary tests of financial appraisal, it has shown that the investment would bring significant economic benefits to the north-west and it is on the basis of these wider economic benefits that I have recommended funding support.

"I await conclusion of the Executive's consideration of my proposal."

Related topics:Conor MurphyCity of Derry