Communities minister told to "stop dragging her feet" over Brandywell Stadium

Aontú councillor, Emmet Doyle, has demanded Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to stop dragging her feet in progressing Phase Two of the redevelopment of Derry City FC's Brandywell Stadium.

In 2018 a new 955 seater stand incorporating changing rooms and media facilities was completed at a cost of £7million.

That brought the existing capacity of the ground to around 3700.

However, that was supposed to be part of wider development at the stadium with a second phase increasing capacity to 5000.

Cllr Doyle, who represents the Ballyarnett ward, expressed concern that Phase Two has yet to proceed and following a meeting with the Department of Communities, he said his was “dismayed” and “frustrated” at the lack of progress.

He said: “A number of months ago I called for a meeting between Council and the Department to understand the level of progress made in progressing the Sub-Regional stadia programme which is currently holding up Phase Two of the Brandywell.

“I am dismayed following the meeting that no time-frame has yet been set for the opening of the funding programme, and indeed the Department has not even set criteria.

“Engagement has taken place with clubs and officials which is positive but this programme first opened a decade ago, and yet we are still waiting for movement despite it being part of New Decade New Approach.

“I am massively frustrated that we are still at this early stage and the Minister needs to step in before the Assembly election next year to deliver on what was a programme that has raised the expectations of fans throughout the Council area.”

Cllr Brian Tierney of the SDLP echoed Cllr Doyle's concerns and accused Sinn Féin of "failing to deliver".

He added: “It’s extremely frustrating that the Department for Communities are unable to give us any indication around funding for the second phase of redevelopment work at the Brandywell Stadiun.

“Over five years ago Sinn Féin told us this funding was guaranteed and the party’s Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey seems to have abandoned this promise.  

“The Brandywell is an important community hub in our city, it’s not just used by our football clubs, but the general public and is open to everyone. The first phase of the redevelopment was a massive success, it delivered a modern stand for fans, a new greyhound track and much improved facilities. The second phase is now long overdue.

“With fortunes changing for the better for Derry City on the pitch there could be no better time for Minister Hargey to recommit herself to this project. There is a new-found feeling of optimism around the club and we need to capitalise on this.

“If we wish to bring more fans through the turnstiles then we have to be able to offer an experience befitting a modern football match.

“Time and time again Sinn Féin have made promises to the people of Derry, but failed to deliver. We need the minister to get this funding scheme open so we can get a timeframe in place for this redevelopment work.

“I will continue to press for action until our city has the stadium it deserves.”

In response a Department for Communities spokesperson said: “The Minster is actively considering the outcomes of the refresh and re-engagement exercise undertaken in relation to the Sub Regional Stadia Programme.”