Derry play park plans delayed by ‘red tape'

A play park granted planning permission in Derry is being delayed by government ‘red tape,’ it has been claimed.

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he gave development at the Ballymagroarty park the go-ahead but claimed that it has been delayed as the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) await planning permission for two other parks in the city before commencing.

The site (pictured) given approval in Ballymagroarty sits adjacent to the local community centre.

It consists of a large tarmac surface that can be used as a football pitch, with old, outdated flood lights around it.

Proposed plans include constructing a 3G Astroturf pitch and a brand new park.

Mr Durkan said: “I understand that the development of Ballymagroarty’s play park is being delayed by red tape at the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers.

“They alone have the ability to free the necessary funding which will allow Derry City and Strabane District Council to appoint contractors to begin the work”.

Billy Page from Ballymagroarty Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP) said the current facilities were built over 25 years ago and an upgrade is long overdue.

BHCP has been told that work should begin in August on the community centre and play area, and should be completed by March 2017, in advance of their summer schedule.

Mr Page said he believed the facilities in the area have been inadequate for too long.

He added: “When I was in council I fought to have our facilities, and people working for BHCP before me found long and hard for an improved recreational space for the community.

“It would be a great asset to the community and would help bring some money into the community with people coming from outside the area to make use of the 3G pitch.”