City of Derry Airport: Stormont takes costs away from ratepayers
"The airport is integral to the economic development of Northern Ireland's north west," Archibald said.By assuming control of its running costs, she said, the council would now be able to focus funding on "supporting the north west's ongoing competitiveness and ability to trade, attract inward investment and inbound tourism".
In January 2024, it was reported the airport was facing an estimated £729,000 shortfall, while three years previously the council warned it was facing "severe financial risk".Stormont has previously provided financial aid to the airport, including in October 2024 when the Department of Infrastructure said it was providing a £3m package for the Eglinton facility.That same month, then Economy Minister Conor Murphy, said the department intended to assume responsibility for the running costs from April 2025.
Steve Frazer, the managing director of City of Derry Airport, said the four-year funding deal is "pivotal" for the airport's future stability."This announcement ensures we are well placed to continue supporting the region's ambitious growth plans and our continued contribution to the region's economy," he said.The Mayor of Derry and Strabane Lilian Seenoi Barr said the council and airport can now "strategically plan" for the airport's development and growth.The airport "is a critical infrastructure asset that provides connectivity and is fundamental to business and tourism in the area", she added.
Earlier this month it was announced direct flights between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow will be subsidised by the Northern Ireland and UK governments for another two years.Since 2017, flights between Derry and London have been subsidised under a public service obligation (PSO).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Co Down food manufacturer plans 130 new jobs as part of £19m investment
Deli Lites is set to spend £19m increasing automation, broadening product ranges and upskilling the current workforce, along with hiring new staff. The company is also aiming to reduce food waste by as much as 50%, expand its heat-to-eat product range, and grow its business in supplying food to airlines. Of the overall investment, £12.8m will be spent on increasing automation, while £6m will be used for upskilling current staff and hiring others. The investment was announced during an event at Deli Lites' Warrenpoint facility on Thursday, which was attended by the Economy Minister. Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: 'The North's food and drink processing sector is a true local success story, with latest statistics showing that it generates £6.5bn in sales and supports over 25,500 jobs across our towns and countryside. 'This investment will unlock significant growth opportunities for Deli Lites in this exciting sector. 'Increased capacity and new automated equipment will boost productivity and enable it to expand its fresh and frozen ranges, growing its sales in Britain and Ireland, and open up additional export markets. 'With 78% of our food and drink sold outside the North, this industry showcases the quality, innovation, and global appeal of what we produce right here at home. 'The creation of 130 new jobs in Warrenpoint, which will help leverage almost £10m in wages and salaries across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area by 2027, is also good news as we work to deliver a more regionally balanced economy.' Deli Lites was founded by husband and wife Brian and Jackie Reid in 1998. It makes sandwiches and other food-to-go products, with its customers including Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Applegreen and Costa Coffee. CEO Brian Reid said: 'We are now an all-Ireland business with export sales growing in international markets. 'We've always been a trailblazer in our sector, shown when we became the first sandwich maker in the UK and Ireland to achieve B Corp certification.' Jackie Reid, chief strategy officer, added: 'Bringing even more products to our snacking and convenience range and investing in production and automation will significantly increase our capacity and customer reach. 'We're delighted to be growing our team in Warrenpoint to bring further expertise into the business and help us achieve our vision, to transform how the world experiences food on the move.' Deli Lites' investment is being backed by Invest NI's Agri-Food Investment Initiative, a £46m scheme designed to 'support local agri-food and drink processors to improve competitiveness and productivity'. Gráinne Moody, director of food and drink at Invest NI, said: 'This significant project builds on our previous support for Deli Lites to develop its product range for the European market. Its success has positioned the company to become a key supplier for the global airlines sector. 'This new project will increase innovation and boost productivity by transforming labour-intensive processes and increasing digitalisation. Our overseas trade teams are also working with Deli Lites to explore new international markets as it grows.'
ITV News
6 days ago
- ITV News
Plans unveiled for Northern Ireland's first new championship links golf course for 100 years
Plans to create the first championship-standard links golf course in Northern Ireland for more than 100 years have been announced. Hospitality group Galgorm Collection is investing £30 million in building the course at Bellarena on the north west coast between Limavady and Coleraine. The announcement comes as the region continues to play host to the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club around 20 miles away. Golf tourism in Northern Ireland generates £86 million annually – a figure that has increased 66% since Portrush last hosted the Open in 2019 – but tourist bosses have highlighted that capacity is a limiting factor in driving further growth, with only so many visitors being able to play on the region's landmark seaside links course at any one time. Tourism NI has previously flagged a desire for a new course to be built and Friday's announcement means that is set to become reality in four years, with Galgorm Collection planning to open its new course in 2029. The company already owns and runs the championship parkland course at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena and a course at Roe Valley in Limavady. Subject to planning permission being approved, Galgorm Collection said development of Bellarena Golf Links will start next year. It said building the course would bring its total investment in the north west to around £65 million, creating an additional 300 jobs. Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said: 'Our exciting plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland's stunning north west coast will deliver a once-in-generation opportunity to drive a new era of golfing and tourism success that will amplify our outstanding and award-winning credentials while also creating hundreds of jobs. 'Preparatory work is already well under way that could pave the way for development from next year before we welcome our first guests in 2029. 'We look forward to consulting widely on our plans and engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure collective, shared success for the local community, the north west region and Northern Ireland as a whole.' Stormont's Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the announcement. 'Golf tourism generated a record £86 million for the region last year and this month's Open at Royal Portrush will help to increase this impact even further,' she said. 'I commend the Galgorm Collection team for their confidence and ambition in supporting our drive to amplify the regional prosperity which the sport can bring.' Tourism Northern Ireland Board chair Ellvena Graham said: 'With a rich heritage and stunning views, Northern Ireland is a highly sought-after destination for golfers from across the globe and our golf strategy focuses on maximising our strengths to continue to grow this crucially important part of our tourism offer. 'Galgorm Collection has been a pioneer in developing an outstanding, internationally acclaimed tourism product and I'm delighted that this key, experienced tourism stakeholder is further investing in this area.' East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said the development would deliver a 'major economic boost' to the north west region and also help showcase its natural assets. 'This investment will also help ensure that the benefits of tourism are more widely spread, supporting local growth and prosperity,' he said. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
Powys County Times
6 days ago
- Powys County Times
Plans unveiled for NI's first new championship links golf course for 100 years
Plans to create the first championship-standard links golf course in Northern Ireland for more than 100 years have been announced. Hospitality group Galgorm Collection is investing £30 million in building the course at Bellarena on the north west coast between Limavady and Coleraine. The announcement comes as the region continues to play host to the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club around 20 miles away. Golf tourism in Northern Ireland generates £86 million annually – a figure that has increased 66% since Portrush last hosted the Open in 2019 – but tourist bosses have highlighted that capacity is a limiting factor in driving further growth, with only so many visitors being able to play on the region's landmark seaside links course at any one time. Tourism NI has previously flagged a desire for a new course to be built and Friday's announcement means that is set to become reality in four years, with Galgorm Collection planning to open its new course in 2029. The company already owns and runs the championship parkland course at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena and a course at Roe Valley in Limavady. Subject to planning permission being approved, Galgorm Collection said development of Bellarena Golf Links will start next year. It said building the course would bring its total investment in the north west to around £65 million, creating an additional 300 jobs. Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said: 'Our exciting plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland's stunning north west coast will deliver a once-in-generation opportunity to drive a new era of golfing and tourism success that will amplify our outstanding and award-winning credentials while also creating hundreds of jobs. 'Preparatory work is already well under way that could pave the way for development from next year before we welcome our first guests in 2029. 'We look forward to consulting widely on our plans and engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure collective, shared success for the local community, the north west region and Northern Ireland as a whole.' Stormont's Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the announcement. 'Golf tourism generated a record £86 million for the region last year and this month's Open at Royal Portrush will help to increase this impact even further,' she said. 'I commend the Galgorm Collection team for their confidence and ambition in supporting our drive to amplify the regional prosperity which the sport can bring.' Tourism Northern Ireland Board chair Ellvena Graham said: 'With a rich heritage and stunning views, Northern Ireland is a highly sought-after destination for golfers from across the globe and our golf strategy focuses on maximising our strengths to continue to grow this crucially important part of our tourism offer. 'Galgorm Collection has been a pioneer in developing an outstanding, internationally acclaimed tourism product and I'm delighted that this key, experienced tourism stakeholder is further investing in this area.' East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said the development would deliver a 'major economic boost' to the north west region and also help showcase its natural assets. 'This investment will also help ensure that the benefits of tourism are more widely spread, supporting local growth and prosperity,' he said.
