Derry to London flight route funding secured for two years
"This route plays a vital role in providing the north west with connectivity to other parts of Europe and the rest of the world through the PSO route to London Heathrow," Archibald said.The minister added that the Derry airport acts as "as a catalyst for the local and regional economy by providing enhanced air connectivity and tourism benefits", adding it also contributes to economic growth in the north west region.PSO air routes see the government support flights which would not be commercially viable without state support.The City of Derry to London PSO route, operated by Loganair, is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Archibald's department also confirmed it has prepared a business case to provide Derry City and Strabane District Council with funding to cover the airport's running costs for the next four years.The airport is owned by the council and it costs ratepayers more than £3m to help pay operational costs.In October 2024, then economy minister Conor Murphy said his department intended to assume responsibility for multi-million-pound annual running costs.Now a department spokesman said: "A business case to provide funding to Derry City and Strabane District Council from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2029 has been prepared by DfE and is now going through the relevant approval process."The council has previously raised concerns over future funding.
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ITV News
18-07-2025
- 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
18-07-2025
- 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.
