‘There will be losers’ in Brandywell revamp: Donnelly

Derry City and Strabane District Council has approved an option for the redevelopment of the Brandywell Stadium despite concerns some groups currently using the Council-owned facility will lose out as a result.

The option was approved at a meeting of the Council’s Environmental and Regeneration Committee late this afternoon.

Proposals for the multi-pound redevelopment include relocating the greyhound racing track to the adjacent Showgrounds.

The option presented to the committee by Council officers read:

“Proceed to tender for the entire scheme.

“A public advertisement is put out for providers to run the greyhound track.

“In theory, greyhound racing can take place seven days a week as it will not impact on the running of the football stadium (as it is now within the Showgrounds site).

“Any greyhound operator will pay a proposed £55 per hour for the hire of the facility.

“These costs will help cover staff costs, electricity costs, maintenance costs and other operating costs associated with managing the greyhound facility.”

The option was one of seven presented to councillors.

It was brought after Council officials – at a previous meeting – were instructed to consult with all interested parties and come up with a revised set of proposals for the future running of the stadium which would be acceptable to all.

The original proposal was to charge the “doggie men” an annual fee of £45,000.

However, at today’s meeting “Option 3” (above) was proposed by Sinn Fein Cllr Kevin who said the proposed redevelopment had been a long term process and numerous consultations had taken place.

Independent Cllr Gary Donnelly expressed concern about the option chosen.

He said he had attended a meeting on Monday night last with representatives from number of groups currently using the Brandywell facilities and “non consensus” had been reached on what was the best option for the stadium’s revamp.

He said of the seven options brought before Council, none suited all the groups involved.

He added “there will be losers” regardless what option was chosen.

However, despite his concerns Sein Fein, SDLP and DUP councillors on the committee voted in favour of the option.

Cllr Donnelly, the only Independent councillor on the committee, abstained.