A delegation from the city travelled to London earlier this week to launch the Derry's City Deal bid proposal, at a prestigious event in London’s Guildhall.

The proposal is the next step in progressing plans for a City Deal for the region, and the delegation from Derry City and Strabane District Council met with senior government officials from the NI Office and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to discuss the need to enter formal negotiations around the bid following the invitation from the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, in July.

The meeting took place ahead of a special reception hosted by the City of London Corporation and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor John Boyle, in the Guildhall Crypt that evening.

Chief Executive John Kelpie and officers briefed officials on the draft list of projects which will shape the framework of the City Deal bid, and progress on the business cases for the projects.

The Vision and Outline Bid Proposal provided more detail on the investment priorities for the City Region, focusing on three key areas, namely investing in Innovation and Digital, Enabling Infrastructure and Regeneration and growing the Private Sector. The delegation took the opportunity to outline the strategic projects which would promote growth in these particular areas, including the expansion of Ulster University’s Magee Campus, the upgrade of crucial transport links to the region, and a range of objectives already laid out in the Strategic Growth Plan for Derry and Strabane.

Later in the evening over 200 leading figures from business, education and the political arena from both Derry and London gathered at the London Guildhall’s historic Crypt to mark the recent invitation by the UK Government to bid for a City Deal, and to celebrate key investments in the Derry and Strabane area. The Putting People at the Heart of Innovation event provided the opportunity to further strengthen ties between London and the NW City Region, and focus attention on its growing reputation for innovation and excellence.

Guests heard from a number of speakers, including the Mayor, Foyle MP Elisha McCallion Catherine McGuinness, Chairman of the Policy Committee, City of London Corporation and Council Chief Executive John Kelpie, who gave an update on the ongoing work on the City Deal bid.

Keynote speaker at the event was Darragh McCarthy, CEO of financial services company FinTrU, who recently announced a major jobs boost for Derry with 305 posts based at a new office in the city. He provided some insights into his own business success, and stressed the need to drive entrepreneurship and invest significantly in emerging talent.

The Mayor took the opportunity at the event to highlight the North West’s growing reputation as a centre for innovation and enterprise, making it an increasingly attractive location to do business. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join with the City of London Corporation in hosting this event,” he told those gathered.

“Our strengthening ties with the City are evident here tonight, and we want to get across that message that the NW City Region is open for business with an exceptional offering of skills and talent that is second to none. I look forward to seeing our relationship progress and to the advancement of our City Deal bid, which will be pivotal to delivering our long-term goals.”

Council Chef Executive John Kelpie gave an overview of recent investments in the city, which he said were already paying clear dividends. “In recent months we have seen substantial increases in employment in ICT, Financial and related professional services. We now need that commitment from government that a City Deal is top of the agenda in order to continue this momentum, and unlock the critical funding needed to deliver the City Region’s key catalyst projects.

“I was delighted at the positive feedback regarding our Vision and Outline Bid Proposal at today’s meeting and look forward now to progressing to the next stage in the process of securing a City Deal.”

Picture: Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle, co-hosted a special reception this week in London’s Guildhall held in conjunction with the City of London. Pictured are the speakers at the prestigious event includingFoyle MP Elisha McCallion Catherine McGuinness, Chairman of the Policy Committee, City of London Corporation, Darragh McCarthy, CEO of FinTrU and Council Chief Executive John Kelpie, who gave an update on the ongoing work on the City Deal bid.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A thirty-eight years old man who admitted sexually assaulting a nurse and urinating at her and at a second nurse in Altnagelvin Hospital's Accident and Emergency department earlier this year, has been placed on the Sex Offender's Register for seven years.

Dermot McClintock, from Barnewall Place in the Waterside area of the city, pleaded guilty at Londonderry Magistrate's Court today to sexually assaulting the nurse, to exposing his genitals to her and to another nurse and to committing disorderly behaviour on June 18.

As well as being place on the register for seven years he was also given a four month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

A solicitor for the Public Prosecution Service told Deputy District Judge Noel Dunlop that at 9 p.m. on June 18 hospital staff called the police to report incidents of sexual assault and disorderly behaviour by the defendant.

He made sexual advances to two nurses who were attempting to treat him for a suspected head injury.

McClintock was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slurred and was making sexual suggestions and he asked the nurses to get into bed with him.

He said he wanted to go to the toilet and when one of the nurses left the cubicle where he was being treated to get a bottle, McClintock lunged at the remaining nurse and grabbed her by the right leg.

He also attempted to touch her breasts.

He then pulled down his trousers exposing his genitals and urinated towards the nurses.

McClintock, who had twenty-one previous convictions, but none of them for similar offences, was then restrained and arrested by the police but he continued to shout abusive comments towards the nurses.

After his arrest he told the police he could not remember his behaviour because he had consumed so much alcohol before arriving at the hospital and he asked the officers to pass on his apologies to the two nurses.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Transport N.I. is to resurface a road in the Galliagh area of the city and add speed bumps, it has been announced.

Sinn Féin councillor Caoimhe McKnight has welcomed the news regarding the Moss Road, but expressed her disappointment that a lay-by at St Paul's School has not been included in the scheme.

Welcoming the news Cllr McKnight said:“Sinn Fein has been lobbying for some time to have this road made safer and since becoming Councillor for the area I have been in regular contact with Transport N.I. to end the nightmare that this has become.

"The Moss Road has been in bad condition for years and I am glad to see this work finally commencing. In addition to the road resurfacing, speed bumps will also be placed in order to make the road safe for all road users but in particular the children who attend St Paul’s Primary School.

"For the last number of years, the Moss Road has seen an increase in traffic causing growing concern for the safety of residents and children attending the school.

"I have been engaging with the Department of Infrastructure on this alongside other stakeholders and we have been working with the school to improve overall traffic and road safety issues on this busy road.

"Although the resurfacing is welcome, this is only the first step in road safety measures for residents and school children. More pressure must be placed on all relevant authorities, especially the Education Authority and the Department for Infrastructure to provide a much-needed lay-by so that parents may pick up and drop off their kids safely.

"We do not want to be dealing with accidents on this road that could easily have been avoided with the installation of a lay-by and the upgrading of school car parking>

"Sinn Féin will continue to lobby on these further measures and hope to see the final piece of work carried out in the near future.

"Road service have told me that work will start on Monday the 8th of October, Anyone who has issues or concerns can contact me at the Sinn Fein office at Racecourse road or ring 02871359747."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The PSNI are asking for people to help them identify the man and woman pictured above.

Officers want to speak to the individuals pictured in connection with a theft from the Spar shop at Learmount Road, Park village.

It is understood the theft happened on May 6 this year.

The images of the man and woman were released today as part of the PSNI’s Operation Exposure.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Banagher's plans for Sunday's Derry SHC Final with Slaughtneil have been dealt a blow following a failed appeal regarding Oisin McCloskey's two match ban, the County Derry Post has been informed.

McCloskey and Jack Phelan were both sent off on straight red cards in Banagher's semi-final win over Lavey.

Phelan had his red card rescinded by the Derry hearings committee, but McCloskey's suspension was upheld.

Banagher took the case to the Ulster Council, but Club Chairman Justin Quirke confirmed their appeal was unsuccessful on Thursday night.

Speaking earlier in the week, manager Gary Biggs wasn't hopeful that he would have McCloskey available.

The Emmets are unlikely to be at full strength.

Attacking duo Brendan Rogers and Gerald Bradley missed their semi-final win over Kevin Lynchs.

Should either player feature in Sunday's decider, it would be a 'gamble', according to Slaughtneil manager Michael McShane.

Bradley sustained a calf injury in the warm-up to Slaughtneil's football win over Magherafelt.  There has been an 'improvement' and he took part in 'light training' on Tuesday night.

"Then it was sore on Wednesday so we will leave it to the last minute, but we are planning without him," McShane revealed.

Rogers' picked up an injury in Slaughtneil's league win over Kevin Lynch's in mid-August and hasn't played since.

"It is plantar fasciitis and is very slow to respond," McShane added.  "It is a tear in the sole of the foot and we need to be very careful.

"If he comes back too quickly, he could be out for longer.  If either were to play it would be a big gamble."

The Emmets are bidding to equal Kevin Lynchs' six-in-a-row of championships from the 1970s.

Fixtures
Sunday in Owenbeg

12.00 - Junior - Na Magha v Coleraine
1.45 - Intermediate - Ballinascreen v Swatragh
3.30 - Senior - Slaughtneil v Banagher

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Police are concerned for the welfare of missing person Daniel Rodger.

Daniel is 16 years old, slim build with brown hair and he was wearing an Adidas tracksuit. Daniel went missing from the Chapel Road area in Derry last night but has been seen close to Forestside Shopping Centre in Belfast at approximately 4am this morning.

It is believed he is with his girlfriend Sophie Stephens. If either the two of you are reading this post please get in touch with your family. You are not in any trouble.

If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Daniel please contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1462 of 27/09/18.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said 'no offence' was intended after the Sinn Fein MP Elisha McCallion slammed him for 'questioning Martin McGuinness' integrity' over the RHI scandal.

Earlier today, Elisha McCallion issued a statement after the SDLP Leader revealed he has written to the Head of the Civil Service asking for clarification on ‘who knew what and when’ over Arlene Foster’s claim that she had shared details of an RHI whistle-blower with Martin McGuinness.

“It is extremely disappointing that Colum Eastwood appears to be questioning the integrity of Martin McGuinness, a man who set the benchmark in good governance and who is no longer here to defend himself," she said.

“The RHI Inquiry was established by Sinn Féin Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir. The entire issue was brought to a head by Martin McGuinness who resigned in protest at the DUP’s behaviour in government.

“Arlene Foster’s claim will be examined by the inquiry and Sinn Féin are entirely confident that he will be completely vindicated.

“Colum Eastwood is of course free to seek whatever documentation he likes from the Head of the Civil Service but it should also be noted that the inquiry evidence statements from the former Head of the Civil Service and departmental permanent secretary have already been published and did not support Arlene Foster’s assertion.

However, writing on his Twitter account, Colum Eastwood said that Mrs McCallion had been looking for offence where 'none was intended'.

"Elisha really needs to stop looking for offence where none is intended," he said.

"We're in a political crisis, we need to de-dramatise this stuff."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Concerns have been raised over ambulance cover in the city after a woman who collapsed at a Derry cinema was forced to wait two hours for an ambulance to arrive.

The incident happened at the Brunswick Moviebowl in the Pennyburn Industrial Estate on Saturday, September 21.

Eamonn McLaughlin, Manager of the cinema at Brunswick Moviebowl in Pennyburn, said that an ambulance took a full two hours after a female customer became ill and collapsed before 4pm.

It was almost 6pm before an ambulance arrived.

Speaking to the Derry News, said that when they contacted the emergency services, the operator said they were ‘inundated’.

It was brought to our attention that a customer was feeling unwell.

“We always have quite a few first aiders on site so the lady was assessed and we decided we needed to ring for an ambulance while the customer was left in a comfortable position with a blanket and pillow.
“The ambulance was first called at 3.45pm and didn’t arrive until 5.45pm.

“We rang again at about 4.20pm and we were told that they were inundated with calls and they couldn’t tell us how much longer it would take, but that if there were any further concerns to ring back.

“At about 5pm we were quite concerned because she was getting very weak and we wanted to know if we should try to have her gently lifted into a car to get her to hospital.”

Mr McLaughlin said that after contacting the operator again, they were told that the ambulance was coming from Strabane.

“We wanted to know what the best thing to do was so we rang again at about 5pm and were told that an ambulance was on its way but that it was making its way from Strabane so was still quite a way off,” he added.

“I had discussed it with the telephone operator and with the family and we decided to make the customer comfortable as we didn’t want to move her.”

Mr McLaughlin said that he understood that the serious delay was down to the fact the ambulance service was ‘inundated’ with calls and didn’t have the resources to cope.

However, he said he was happy that the woman was recovering well and that it had not been more serious.
“Thankfully, she is doing well,” he said.

“But if it had been more serious, it could have been a very different story.”

Deteriorating position

A spokesperson Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed that they received a call at 3.46pm last Saturday and, based on the information given, ‘the call was determined to be Category C, neither serious, nor immediately life-threatening’.

The spokesperson said that the call was referred to the Clinical Support Desk (CSD) Paramedic based in the Emergency Control Room, which returned a call at around 4.15pm to establish further details and advice was given if the patient’s condition deteriorated to call 999 again.

“An ambulance had already been despatched by 5.04pm when a further 999 call was made at 5.16pm relating the deterioration of the patient’s condition and the call was upgraded to Category A, potentially serious or life-threatening,” the spokesperson added.

“The ambulance then arrived at the scene at 5.44pm and the patient was assessed, treated and discharged at the scene.”

Increase in demand

The NIAS spokesperson apologised for the wait and said that, in the last five years, there has been an increase in demand for ambulances with calls going up by almost 50 per cent.

“NIAS would like to apologise for any discomfort and distress caused to the patient during her wait for the arrival of an ambulance,” the spokesperson added.

“There has been an increase in ambulance response times over recent years and the main reason for this is the year on year increase in demand for our service.”

“The number of calls to the Ambulance Service has increased from 150,093 in 2012/13, to 220,090 in 2017/18, an increase of 46 per cent.”

The NIAS spokesperson said that there has been a system in place to respond to the most serious cases first and urged the public to engage in a public consultation on the new model, was launched on Thursday.

“In order to address this deteriorating position, NIAS has undertaken a detailed demand and capacity analysis which has established the level of additional capacity required to meet demand within the target timescales, and is developing proposals for a new clinical response model to provide the most urgent response to the most clinically urgent patients,” she said.

“This proposed new model is based on similar models introduced elsewhere in the UK which have proved effective and indicate improved patient outcomes.

“A public consultation on this proposed new model will be launched today and will be available on our website www.nias.hscni.net.

“NIAS would encourage all stakeholders to engage during the consultation process.”

Heroes

Meanwhile, the Foyle MLA and SDLP Health spokesperson Mark H Durkan, said that he had spoken to the Chair of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service with regard to shortages in the emergency service.

“I recently met with the newly appointed Chair of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Nicole Lappin, to highlight my concerns about the shortage and lack of cover in the North West area, which she accepted the merit of,” he said.

“She outlined her desire to transform the service and make it fit for purpose.

“The problems aren’t to do with the state of the fleet; it is actually the shortage of human resources available.”

He added: “There are just not enough people in the job and I do not think the people doing the job have adequate support.

“In fact, it is usually people who work on ambulances who share their concerns with me about the state of affairs that prevents them from doing their job and getting to people on time.

“This is no reflection on the staff, they are absolute heroes but at times they are covering distances from Limavady to Omagh, leaving only one ambulance in this area.”

Pictured above: Brunswick Moviebowl where a woman who collapsed last Saturday had to wait two hours for an ambulance to arrive. (photo by Deidre Heaney nwpresspics.com)

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A Derry artist who took up running after beating cancer is urging others to join him in a sponsored run for a charity this weekend.

Joe Campbell, whose work has been the subject of a host of exhibitions, is getting ready to take part in the Annual Foyle Hospice Male Walk/Run & Junior Boys Mini Marathon this Sunday.

But five years ago he was in a very different place, having just been told he had bowel cancer.

Speaking to Derry Now Joe admits the news left him feeling fragile and isolated.

“It’s a strange, surreal experience to be told you have a life-threatening illness,” he explained.

“In an instant you become another person. What hits you most is the reality of it, or the need to find a way to accept that reality.”

The 60-year-old first knew there was something wrong when he saw blood in his stools.

“Being a typical bloke, I thought ‘How can I get round this one?’” he admitted.

“But, thankfully, I had the sense to tell my partner Pam, and that was it.

“No question, I was going to my GP straight away, and I am so glad I did.

“My GP examined me and immediately initiated what is known as ‘a red-flag referral’ which puts a person with potential cancer straight to the top of the waiting list.

“The next step was a scan after which the consultant took myself and my wife into a small room and confirmed our worst fears – I had cancer.”

Joe was told he would require immediate surgery and he faced an anxious wait to find out how far the disease had spread.

“I think that period between the diagnosis and the confirmation of how far the disease had spread was the worst,” he recalled.

“It was just the fear of not knowing.”

“To cut a long story short, my operation was a success and what followed was six months of chemotherapy.

“Not the most pleasant experience, but it was necessary to try to improve my chances of my cancer returning.”

Dark place

Joe said that his wife Pam and children Margaret and John were his constant companions throughout his illness.

“They walked beside me in the shadow of the illness, a dark place for anyone and I know their love and support helped me through some very black moments,” he added.

“Whilst you’re being treated everything revolves around your recovery.

“Initially, it’s about survival. And, if you get through, subsequent treatments can last up to two years.”

Despite beating the disease, Joe admits it has life altering for him.

“There is no doubt, cancer changes you. Survival changes you,” he continued.

“It puts all those little stresses and problems that plague us all, in the shade and in perspective. Little of that matters anymore.

“The down side, at least for me, is you are unemployed and out of the loop.

“The psychological effects take a lot longer to get round, because isolation can set in.

“Suddenly, and in no uncertain terms, you can feel redundant and down.

“It’s a spiral that’s difficult to get around.”

Best result

When Joe was at a low ebb his brother Dermott, himself a seasoned runner, suggested he sign up for a ‘Couch to 5k’ ten week challenge with Reach Running Club.

“I’m no Mo Farrah and never will be, but the club gave me the fitness, the support and the confidence to achieve my best result to date - finishing the Waterside Half-marathon last year,” Joe continued.

“That feeling of belonging to a like-minded group is one of the best things we can do in life considering how brief our life-spans are and how fragile our health and well-being actually is.

“One of the biggest killers, in my estimation, can be isolation.”

Joe says that many of the men taking part in the Foyle Hospice Run will have similar back stories to tell.

“Please, give them all the support you can and a big cheer this coming Sunday, life’s too short not to,” he added.

“I don’t think I’ll be breaking any national or world records but I’m sure I will have the company of my friends and colleagues from my local running club, Reach, to keep me company.

“Joining a local club is not just a way to keep fit but also a nice way to donate to charity, to get out and to make new acquaintances.

“The Hospice is such a vital place.

“It is where some of those who weren’t as fortunate as myself and their families, may be able to find a final dignity.”

You can still sign up for Annual Foyle Hospice Male Walk/Run & Junior Boys Mini Marathon at www.foylehospice .com or call into the fundraising office on the Culmore Road.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A local charity which brings children from a nuclear disaster zone to Derry for respite every year says has issued a fresh appal for local host families to come forward

Every July children from Belarus come to the city to enjoy a four-week holiday, which health specialists say can up to five years to their life expectancy.

Their trips are organised by Chernobyl Children International (CCI), a registered charity, through its Foyle and Inishowen branch.

The children, many of whom are orphans, live close to the area which was affected by a nuclear explosion in 1986.

CCI are now looking for hosts who will be able to welcome a child into their home next summer.

Traditionally the children have stayed with local families but Emma Hunt, who has been involved with the group for 17 years, says the opportunity is open to everyone.

“It doesn’t have to be family, older couples or single people can apply,” she explained.

“As long as they pass the necessary checks and can provide a safe and secure home for the children we will be happy to have them.”

The four-week Rest and Recuperation programme allows the children to spend time away from the radiation and have access to health care and recreational and educational trips.

The children are so impoverished that some arrive for their four week stay with just the clothes they are wearing.

Most of those who take part in the respite programme live on produce from small allotments grown in contaminated soil.

However, Emma has seen first-hand the improvements to the children’s health as a result of their stay in Derry.

“You can definitely notice the difference in the children after their time here,” said Ms Hunt.

“Some of the hosts have said the children arrive with a yellow tinge to their skin, but by the time they leave that has gone.

“Most of the children are coming from ‘Homes of Hope’ which are foster homes that were set up to take the children out of orphanages.

“There would be about 10 children living with a foster parent whose job it is to look after them.

“If a child grows up in an orphanage they don’t have access to education or proper health care and they move into an adult institution when they grow up.

“This is the only chance many of these children get to go on holiday and to be a child, in the way that we would think of childhood.”

Funding

The cost of bringing each child to Ireland for a four week stay with a host family is £1,000 for travel to the airport, flights and translator fees, which the charity raise through a variety of fundraising events.

“We are always fundraising and in particular we would ask local businesses to consider funding a child, or even holding a coffee morning to help us raise money,” said Ms Hunt.

“The difference it makes to these children’s lives is unbelievable.

“The Derry company ‘Computer Share’ hold an event every year where they invite the children down and give them clothes and gifts and they just can’t believe all this stuff is for them.

“It’s like Christmas morning, they think they are in Disney Land.

“The look on their faces is just unbelievable.”

If you would like to host a child or sponsor a child please contact Emma Hunt on 07775855638 before the deadline of October 9.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A Derry cancer survivor who once feared she would lose her hair due to cancer treatment has shaved her head to raise vital funds for charity.

Kim Dufoulon, 35, from the Ballymagroarty area of the city, hosted a ‘Brave the Shave’ event at The Cosh Bar at the weekend where she went had her locks shorn off, raising £850 for the Macmillan Cancer in the process.

Speaking to the Derry News after the event, Kim said that she once feared losing her hair while being treated for cancer, but then came to the realisation that it was ‘just hair’.

“This time last year I was being treated for melanoma (skin cancer) but I was lucky that they were able to remove it before I had to get radiotherapy or chemotherapy,” she said.

“At the time I was freaking out thinking that, if I had to get treatment, I was going to lose my hair and my eyebrows but then I just calmed down and realised, it’s only hair – it will grow back and I’m alright.”

Kim added that she felt losing hair was not important in the grand scheme of facing cancer, so she decided to help a charity that supports people going through cancer treatment and living with the disease.

“After I shaved it, I wasn’t worried or scared,” she added.

“People were saying, ‘Oh, you’re so brave!’ but I didn’t feel like I was, I just though, it’s hair and will grow back – I felt good after I did it!”

Kim said that her brother, Paul Fisher, also supported her by shaving off what she described as his ‘big horrible lumberjack beard’.

Kim raised a fantastic £850 by also holding bingo with spot prizes on the night.

Pictured above: Kim before and after braving the shave!

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The running costs of the City of Derry Airport will only be covered at a ‘reduced level’ for six months after May 2019 unless £2.5m in government funding is allocated to the facility, it has emerged.

In July of this year, the Derry News revealed that the future of Derry’s airport is in doubt after a council report revealed it will be ‘unsustainable’ after May 2019 unless the £2.5m funding is secured.

The news came after it emerged that Derry City and Strabane District Council, who own the City of Derry Airport (CODA), have been unable to access the funding which it was awarded from the Northern Ireland Executive in November 2016 for ‘route development’.

The £2.5 ‘Route Development Fund’ was set aside by the NI Executive to enable the London Stansted route from Derry – known as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route – to continue until after May 2019.
However, there is no functioning Stormont Executive to sign off on the money.

Earlier this week, a meeting of the council’s Assurance, Audit and Risk Committee was presented with an audit report which stated that the airport continued to present a ‘material uncertainty’ and that this could present ‘significant impairment’ on the value of airport assets, which stood at £45m as of March 31, 2018.

The report went on to say that auditors were ‘content that the notes to the accounts provide a comprehensive and fully transparent overview of the current position with regard to CODA’ and recommended that Derry City and Strabane District Council ‘continues in its efforts to work through alternatives so as to reach a timely resolution of the issues’.

A council officer told meeting, held in the Guildhall on Monday, that it was working to secure funding for the London route and said that ‘discussions are currently underway with the Department for Transport in London and relevant senior Civil Servants with a view to the London PSO being tendered by November 2018’.

Decisions

The officer added ‘on the basis of submissions to date’, the airport’s director were ‘hopeful’ that the funding will be released.

If the funding is allocated, the current subsidy provided by the council will be enough to fund the airport at its current level of operation until March 31, 2021.

However, the council officer warned that in the event the funds are not secured, the council’s current level of funding support would be ‘sufficient to meet the cost of operations at a reduced level for a minimum period of six months after May 2019’.

The officer added that during this six-month period ‘the viability of the airport over the short and medium term will be considered and appropriate actions taken’.

“If the London route is not secured, there will have to be decisions made on the ongoing sustainability of the airport,” the officer added.

The local council currently provides annual funding to the City of Derry Airport to the value of £2.145m through ratepayers with a further £1.3m being set aside to fund capital loan charges.

Pictured above: City of Derry Airport (by Tom Heaney nwpresspics.com)

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

John (Cass) Cassidy
28th September 2018 beloved husband of Pat, loving father of Christopher, Sean and the late Michael-Bennett and dear brother of Anne, Margaret, Joe and the late Jim and Kathleen. Funeral from his home, 13 Fortfield Avenue on Sunday at 12 o’clock for 12.30 pm funeral mass in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill. Interment afterwards in the city cemetery. Family time please between 10 pm to 11 am. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers if wished to Friends of Altnagelvin (North West Cancer Unit), C/o Altnagelvin Hospital, WHSCT, Glenshane Road, Derry, BT47 6SB or the Foyle Hospice, 61 Culmore Road, Derry, BT48 8JE. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.

Mary McIvor (née McGuinness)
28th September 2018 beloved wife of the late Patrick, loving mother of Marie, Teresa and Bernadette, dear mother-in-law of Joe and Brian and a much loved grandmother and great grandmother.
Funeral from her home, 42 Dunlade Road, Greysteel on Sunday at 11.20 am for 12 o’clock funeral mass in Star of the Sea Church, Faughanvale. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her.

Ena McKenna (née Guy)
27th September 2018 beloved wife of the late Brian (formerly of Roemill Gardens), loving mother of Teresa, Mary, Ann, Andrea, Kevin and Brian and a much loved grandmother and great grandmother. Funeral from her daughter’s home 26 Castle Park, Limavady on Sunday at 10.25 am for 11 o’clock funeral mass in St Mary’s Church, Limavady. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her.

Rosaleen McLaughlin (née McCallion)
28th September 2018 beloved wife of Joe, loving mother of Catrina, Frankie, James, Brian, Oliver, Teresa, Rosaleen, Derek, Rachel and Ryan and a much loved grandmother.
Funeral from her home, 19 Ivy Terrace on Monday at 9.30 am for 10 o’clock Requiem Mass in St Columba’s Church, Longtower. Interment afterwards in the city cemetery. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her.

Stewart
September 28th 2018 (peacefully) at his home, 38 Luney Road, Magherafelt, John Arnold (Arnie), dearly beloved Husband of the late Florrie, much loved Father of John, Geoffrey, Robert, Helen, Allen, Noel, Stephen and Colin, a dear Father-in-Law, Grandfather and Great Grandfather and dearest Brother of Noreen. House private. Funeral service in his home on Sunday, September 30th, commencing at 2.00pm, followed by burial in First Magherafelt Presbyterian Churchyard at 3.00pm (approx.). Family flowers only please. "Rest in Peace"

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

AN additional 160 new homes are being planned for the Galliagh area as part of the latest phase of development being planned by a social housing body.

The new homes, known as Galliagh Phase 4, will comprise of 158 new dwellings, located at lands close to the Skeoge Link and situated to the north of the Lower Galliagh Road and Woodbrook West, pictured on the map above.

The development, which is being overseen by the social housing provider Apex, will be made up of a mix of 55 three-bedroom homes, 48 five-bedroom houses and eight six-bedroom houses.

It will also include houses specially adapted for people with ‘complex needs’, and 16 one-bedroom apartments.

The new homes marks the latest housing development being planned for the Skeoge area by the Apex Housing Assoication, after planning approval was issued by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee for 176 new homes in March of this year.

The development site is located close to the existing Clon Elagh development.

At the time, the meeting was told that a total of 2,160 new homes was needed in the west bank area of the city was needed over the next four years to meet the current social housing need in Derry.

The latest plans were lodged with the local council earlier this month, and are expected to come before a future meeting of its Planning Committee.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

It follows a disturbance at a house in Osborne Street in Derry at around 5.30pm yesterday evening, Friday 28 September.

Residents in the area reported that man was seen brandishing a machete type weapon.

The male remains in custody at present assisting us with our enquiries.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A 56-year-old man with 242 previous convictions who was handed a suspended sentence on Monday appeared at Derry Magistrates Court again the following day.

Patrick Farren, whose address was given as no fixed abode was charged with disorderly behaviour on Monday September 24.

The court was told that police on patrol in the city centre heard a disturbance coming from Waterloo Place.

The officers investigated and found Farren shouting and swearing.

The court heard the defendant was warned about his behaviour but continued to shout and was subsequently arrested.

When charged, the defendant told police: “I didn't do anything.”

Defence solicitor Eugene Burns told the court his client had been released from prison on Friday and had appeared in court on Monday when he was given a suspended sentence.

The solicitor said that the defendant been given a chance but ‘didn't take it’.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said that Farren had been given a suspended sentence but was now back in court a day later.

She said it was a waste of police resources, but Farren did not ‘seem to be doing anything about it’.

Farren was the sentenced to a total of six months in prison.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Detectives are investigating two burglaries in the Eglinton area which may be linked.

The first break-in at a house in Cherry Drive was reported to police at around 9.30pm on Friday 28 September.

A quantity of jewellery is believed to have been taken.

The second incident occurred in Ashburn Park and was reported just before 2am this morning, Saturday 29 September.

Again, it appears as though jewellery was specifically targeted by the burglars.

Detectives believe these crimes may be linked and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to please get in touch. Please call 101, quoting reference number 125 29/09/18.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney has said he has high hopes for the Galliagh Community Centre whose application goes before the planning committee in Derry City & Strabane District Council on Wednesday.

Cllr Tierney commented: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside the Galliagh steering group as we brought forward the plans and ideas from local people about the new Galliagh Community Centre.

"The Galliagh community has never had the benefit of a community building within this area and I am excited to see the planning application before councils planning committee this month.

“As it stands, a lot of the young people and community groups are meeting in local flats and porta cabins, in the absence of suitable premises.

“If the planning committee sign off on planning permission, it will be a big boost for the local community. It will also mean that some of the current properties used by the community centre can be put back into circulation and used as suitable social housing for those in need."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Police are appealing for information following an incident in Derry on Monday 24 September.

Constable Philip Walder said: “A woman was driving along the Victoria Road in Derry in the direction of Strabane just after 9pm when an item struck her vehicle.

"The driver pulled into a lay-by close to the football fields to check her vehicle for damage and was approached by two hooded males.

"One of the males grabbed the her arm in what we believe may have been an attempt to take her car keys.

"The woman was able to fight the males off and the pair then ran from the area.

"The males are both described as being in their late teens to early twenties, around 5' 9" and slim. One of the males was wearing a green hoody.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen males matching this description in the area prior to, or just after the incident. I would also appeal to anyone who may have captured dashcam footage in the area to please get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 1500 24/09/18.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Detectives investigating an incident in Ballynagard Crescent, Derry earlier this week have this morning arrested three men.

Detective Inspector Bob Blemmings said: “A disturbance is believed to have taken place at a property in the area at around 7.30pm on Thursday night, 27 September.

"This reportedly culminated in a vehicle being driven repeatedly at the front of the house, causing some damage to the gates and the building itself.

"Our enquiries to date would also suggest that at some point during the fracas, a crossbow may have been fired at the car.

The arrested males, aged 33, 34 and 39 have been detained on suspicion of a range of offences and remain in custody this morning assisting us with our enquiries.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.