MLAs differ over development of Fort George site

Differences have emerged between two Foyle MLAs regarding the development of the Fort George site in the Pennyburn area of the city.

The Department of Health confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) it had completed the acquisition of land at the former military site.

Welcoming the Department’s announcement, Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy said the land would “accommodate the planned new £70 million  Cityside Health and Care Centre”.

Mr Delargy added: “This follows the decision of then Sinn Féin Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to allow the Western Health and Social Care Trust to purchase the land it requires at Fort George.

Department sells part of Fort George to Health Trust

Department and Trust to develop proposal for a new Health and Care Centre

“Significantly, the department also confirmed that the Trust will now proceed to develop a business case for the project with procurement of the overall scheme expected to proceed in 2024/25.

“That is very welcome progress on what will be a major investment not only in the economy and regeneration of this city but in the healthcare of the people who live here.”

Giving the purchase a “cautious welcome” DUP MLA, Gary Middleton said the site represented only 1.7 acres of the total 11-acre Fort George site.  

Mr Middleton added: “The development of the Health and Care Centre is anticipated to create 250 new permanent jobs as well as centralising approximately 450 posts in the modern state of the art facility. That is positive and welcome news.

“We now need to see further progress on the rest of this strategic regeneration site. 

“Fort George is in a prime location and the offering in the site should also reflect on the needs of the city and the need for economic growth.

“I will be engaging with the Department for Communities further over the coming weeks to push for further developments.”