One of Derry's best known politicians, the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, was on home territory today for the launch the draft Regeneration Plan (Mark II) for the city.

Accompanied by the Minister for Social Development Alex Attwood, the local MP attended an event in the Maiden City's Waterside Theatre to hear about the new draft plan - which was commissioned by Stormont Ministers - that will set the vision of transformational change for Londonderry in terms of building a more vibrant economy.

This is said to involve increased prosperity, which will ensure that opportunities and benefits from regeneration are targeted towards the most deprived groups.

Speaking at the launch the Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister said: "Regeneration is not something we do to our communities but something we do in conjunction with them.

"In taking time to craft this Mark 11 Regeneration Plan, Ilex has ensured that those communities most affected by disadvantage and neglect have had a voice in the decision making process and the potential outcomes which will be part of shaping their futures."

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He went on to say: "Of course it is not enough that we merely deal with aspirations, we also need to be prepared to turn that vision into a concrete reality.

"We will measure our success against whether we see changes in the patterns of poverty, deprivation and disadvantage."

The SDLP Social Development Minister, Mr Attwood, said: ''This plan will set the agenda for the next phase in the regeneration of Derry.

"The decisions we take and the priorities agreed for the plan will influence the shape of the City for future generations.

"It essential to all of this is that those in need and disadvantaged are at the heart of the regeneration and opportunities of the city."

He said that much has already been achieved in recent years. The city is experiencing an exciting renaissance and beginning to achieve its full potential: "My Department has played a major role in bringing this about. However, I want to continue facilitating regeneration.

"Pound for pound across Government funding streams urban regeneration makes sense.

"It helps build stable communities, creates and sustains jobs and improves the economy, allowing people to work and live together," he commented.

"It is important to hear the views of the widest possible cross-section of people to this plan. It will only succeed if it gains the support of local communities, politicians, statutory agencies and the business community."

Today's event is a welcome and up-beat one for Londonderry after an August bomb blast devastated the area round a local police station, which was a backward step for the city despite being named as the agreed UK City of Culture 2013.

See: United Backing For Londonderry Culture Bid

(BMcC/GK)