Project manager appointed for Apprentice Boys scheme

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinnness defended the Strategic Investment Board’s (SIB) record in response to an Assembly Question tabled by local MLA Colum Eastwood.

The Londonderry MLA asked why the SIB had not appointed advisers to projects in the city “particularly the Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 and the One Plan.”

The Ministers replied: “The SIB has committed significant resources to projects associated with both the Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 and the One Plan.

“SIB provides support through a number of channels, including the Interim Chief Executive of SIB advising the Board of the Culture Company. Advisers also provide recruitment and communications advice to the Culture Company, and a range of advice services to Ilex in relation to the One Plan and support to Derry City Council.

“In addition, SIB has recently appointed a project manager who is working on the Apprentice Boys of Derry Heritage Project. By using specialist resources flexibly, SIB can provide a greater range of support to the UK City of Culture 2013 and The One Plan than could be possible through the appointment of specific advisers.”