NI Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster have made a joint visit to Londonderry to inspect two conservation schemes which were recently commenced as part of the Walled City Signature Project.

The schemes at St Columb's Cathedral and First Derry Presbyterian Church had been facing a funding shortfall after Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) listed building grants had been trimmed due to recent economic difficulties. However, officials from both departments have worked closely with the promoters and local elected representatives to ensure that they could proceed.

Minister Poots said: "I welcome the progress that has been made on these schemes. My department has now offered a combined investment of over £750,000 this year on the Signature Project schemes. This is in addition to a further £219,000 in funding to seven listed buildings in the council area. Together this is a high proportion of NIEA’s total grant budget of £3.5million for this year and a significant investment in the built heritage of this city."

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Minister Foster said: "The potential obstacles affecting the progress of these two important schemes have been addressed and it is good to see them progressing on site. They both form a vital part of the Walled City Signature Project which is a key tourism, and therefore economic, initiative for Northern Ireland. A joined-up approach through partnership, and quick action, between Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), NIEA, project promoters and local MLAs has been important and I pay tribute to all of these efforts."

She added: "As the Walled City Signature Project proves, our built heritage is important, not just for its character and appearance, but also for its economic and social potential. It is a source of pride and helps create associated good quality jobs in tourism, education and business. I commend the efforts of all in the city to realise the full potential of these important scheme."

(NS/GK)