Press Release

Mayor calls for Derry’s share of £1bn peace fund

23rd November 04

The Mayor, Councillor Gearoid O’hEara says he believes Derry must get its fair share of any monies secured from a £1bn peace fund. Sinn Fein and the DUP are currently involved in high level talks with British Government officials in London and are pledging for a peace fund to be allocated as part of any new agreement.

The Mayor said he was hopeful some progress can be made in the political process by the end of the week adding that he would be campaigning to have any peace fund money allocated to areas in the North in order to address the imbalance that exists west of the Bann.

The British Prime Minister and Taoiseach are to meet for talks in Downing Street tomorrow to assess the prospects of the DUP and Sinn Fein endorsing the peace fund proposals.

The Mayor commented: “It is imperative that Derry and the region West of the Bann is given an adequate share of any peace deal fund that is secured from the current talks. For the past number of years the region has lagged behind when it comes to investment.

“ We urgently need investment to our road and rail network, subsidies for the City of Derry Airport and regeneration money so that we can attract investment to the region. Central Government has an important role to play to address the imbalances that still exist and to provide us with an adequate budget to bring recognition to the many initiatives that have shown our ability to think and act innovatively.

“ I think it is imperative that we raise the standards, set the vision and make sure we collectively bring opportunities that truly reflect the quality, activity and international standing of our people and their resources. I believe that through investment in education and teaching, in research and in new technologies and creativity that we can look ahead to what new opportunities lie ahead for us.”

Ends

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