Continuing public sector investment in the North West plays a key role in transforming the UK City of Culture 2013, NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson has said.

Speaking during a visit to Londonderry to assess progress on various ongoing construction projects, the Minister said: "This is an exciting time not only for the city but the region as a whole.

"Continuing public sector investment is making a significant contribution to the regeneration of Londonderry, despite the tightening public expenditure position."

Starting his visit at Ebrington Barracks, where he viewed the ongoing construction of the new £13.5million River Foyle Foot and Cycle Bridge, Minister Wilson said: "Development at Ebrington is an important element of the city's regeneration.

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"It will bring the site into public use and facilitate major mixed use proposals combining employment, tourism and residential development. Completion of the new iconic Foot and Cycle Bridge will help create an important link between the historic Walled City and the Victorian architecture of Ebrington."

Following visits to the restoration projects at St Columb's Cathedral and First Derry and Claremont Presbyterian Church, key elements of the 'Walled City' Signature Tourism Project, Minister Wilson continued: "Completion of the £5million conservation work to these historically important buildings early next year will be another milestone in the delivery of the 'Built Heritage Programme', following earlier completion of the Playhouse Theatre."

During the final visit, Minister Wilson also viewed the soon to be completed £8million City Centre Public Realm project from the City Walls.

Minister Wilson concluded: "The high quality, modern and vibrant urban landscape created through this scheme will provide an attractive environment in which to stage events as part of the 2013 UK City of Culture, generating the city and the region both culturally and economically for years to come."

(GK/BMCC)