Press Release

Mayor welcomes Big Lottery Grants for the district

Wednesday 11th June

Mayor Councillor Gerard Diver has praised news that Phase 3 of the Breathing Places Fund, which is administered by the Big Lottery, has awarded almost £90,000 to nine environmental projects for the region, six of which are projects that Derry City Council is directly involved with.

“The funding from the Big Lottery will really make a difference to several areas throughout the city and rural areas and help to develop green spaces that the whole community can enjoy. The Breathing Places Campaign has inspired so many community groups and individuals to come together and realise that they can help make a difference to our local environment. Derry City Council is committed to enhancing our local parks and leisure areas through community initiatives that inspire and reflect the aspirations of everyone, particularly younger generations, families and elderly people who avail of these facilities on a regular basis. I would like to congratulate all the projects involved on their successful application and wish them every success.”

The Westland Residents Association are delighted to be one of six environmental projects working with Derry City Council that have just been awarded grants by the Big Lottery, being awarded £9,910.00 for a biodiversity project at Bull Park.

The grant has been awarded for plants, bulbs, volunteer events, signage and funding to begin an environmental club for kids. Westland Residents Association has been working with the council to design the project and they will also be involved in implementing the works and running the kids clubs. This will be a great boost for the park, with hedgerows, flower beds and an orchard area being created for the enjoyment of local people and of course the wildlife.

Derry City Council are also partners in five other successful projects led by Learmount Community Development Group, John Mitchels G.A.C., Riverview Residents Association, Derry Children’s Commission and Greater Shantallow Area Partnership. All the projects will be taking place on council sites and range from wildlife gardens, to a forest schools initiative at St.Columbs Park.

Speaking about the successful applications Biodiversity Officer at Derry City Council, Annie Mullan said that the funding would make an impact on the local plant and animal life within the region as well

“So many groups and organizations have taken on the challenge to protect our local plant and animal life as well as enhancing the quality of our public green spaces. This has been a wonderful journey throughout the city so far and this funding will really enable us to realise the full potential of what we started in various areas throughout the city and Claudy and Learmount Park.”

For further information on any of the projects mentioned contact Biodiversity Officer at Derry City Council Annie Mullan annie.mullan@derrycity.gov.uk or telephone 028 7136 5151

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