Ilex talks onprivate stakesin schemes

But the company won’t tell the Sentinel who it’s been talking to or what, specifically, it’s been talking about.

A spokesperson for the company told the paper such discussions were deemed commercially sensitive and were not for disclosure.

Two years ago the Sentinel revealed that private investors may part-own Ilex schemes in future.

Former Ilex Chairman Roy McNulty was asked at Stormont if venture capitalists - private investors who fund start-up firms in return for part ownership - may be used to help finance Ilex’s plans.

He responded: “Absolutely. We are clear in Derry what we want to achieve, and any legitimate and respectable way of finding the finance to do those things has to be considered.”

The Sentinel asked Ilex to provide details of the discussions that have been held with venture capitalists over the past two years.

A spokesperson stated: “In the course of normal business activities, Ilex works with the private sector to advance the regeneration of Ebrington and Fort George.

“Informal discussions have taken place with a range of interested parties which have been explorative in nature and have included venture capital investment. Such discussions are deemed commercially sensitive and are not for disclosure at this stage.”