SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that, whatever the outworking of allegations which indicate that the Department of Social Development intends to take oversight for the Fort George site in Derry away from regeneration firm Ilex, the people of Derry must reap the rewards of any renewal scheme.

The Foyle MLA was speaking after reports emerged which indicated that DSD was planning to reacquire the site – reports which have yet to be confirmed or denied.

He said: "The Fort George site shows enormous promise for redevelopment to the benefit of the local and regional economy, and, indeed, we have heard not so long ago that £12m has been earmarked for the development of a science park on the site.

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"I have submitted an urgent question to Minister Nelson McCausland, which I will have an answer to tomorrow, but it is essential that he gives a full overview of his department's plans and, if they are to take over the site, explain why they are doing so and why they chose this point in time.

"Progress has been scant in implementing the redevelopment of the site, with various factors hindering it, including reams of red tape put in the way by the government departments overseeing the project, but Ilex, though undoubtedly responsible for some of the inertia, has subsequently worked hard to move matters forward.

"For DSD to ride in now, when all the hard work has been done by Ilex, and take the project away from them, smacks to me of John Terry syndrome – with the trophy in sight, they suddenly want a piece of the action and all of the credit.

"I am neither a proponent nor opponent of either Ilex or DSD as overseers of this development – my main concern, and that of the SDLP, is that the people of Derry are the real winners in the regeneration of Fort George.

"The prospect of a new science park, well-funded and developed to the highest standards, is very exciting for the local economy and all the knock-on effects that that will have for the prosperity of the area, so, whoever ends up at the helm, it is essential that they steer this project into harbour to the benefit of all the people of Derry."

(CD)