28 April 2000

BRANDYWELL GETS £580,000 ENTERPRISE BOOST

A £580,000 funding package to transform a disused recreation ground in Londonderry's Brandywell area into a business centre was announced today by Dr Jeremy Harbison, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Social Development.

The innovative project is being taken forward by Iona Enterprises, part of the Bogside and Brandywell Initiative, a community development organisation which was formed in 1995 to promote regeneration of the area.

Five workshop units, together with accommodation for administration, training and conferences, are to be provided on the site which is owned by The Honourable, The Irish Society.

Funding is being provided jointly by the Department of Social Development and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), as part of the Community Economic Regeneration Scheme. Speaking today at a reception in the Brandywell Sports Centre, Dr Harbison said:

"The Iona Park business centre will serve as a focal point for an enterprise development programme which has the potential to stimulate other initiatives

in the area. It is a tribute to the drive, determination and imagination of Iona Enterprises led by their Chairperson, Roisin Barton.

"I am delighted that my Department in partnership with IFI has been able to provide funding for this imaginative project. The Community Economic Regeneration Scheme is having a major impact in several disadvantaged areas not only in this city but in the Province as a whole."

Mr William T McCarter, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, who also attended today's reception, said:

"We are delighted to be able to support this project in an area which has very high levels of disadvantage. The Bogside Brandywell Initiative is playing a key role in promoting, co-ordinating and facilitating a range of programmes and initiatives in the area.

"The development of a Community Business Park at Iona Park will help to promote physical, economic and social regeneration in a deprived neighbourhood through the development of a derelict site to promote employment and training opportunities which will also complement other regeneration initiatives in the Derry area."

Dr Harbison and Mr McCarter also visited the Ebrington Centre today where they saw work currently in progress in a refurbishment and expansion of the Maydown Youth Training Project. When completed this will include a new restaurant, multi-purpose hall and a new access road from Glendermott Road.

Funding of more than £1.5 million is also being provided jointly by the Department of Social Development and the International Fund for Ireland under the Community Economic Regeneration Scheme.