Derry heritage sites have been included in a £4 million funding package for historic projects across the North.
The former Northern Counties Club in Bishop Street.
Derry Inner City Building Preservation Trust is to receive £200,000 to carry out extensive conservation works at the former Northern Counties Club in Bishop Street while Faughan Valley is to get £145,000 for the acquisition of 21.5 hectares of improved grassland to provide new opportunities for access to the countryside through the provision of 17 kilometres of public pathways in the area.
In addition, funding has also been allocated for repairs to the Harbour Museum in Derry.
Mark H Durkan said the £4million funding package was a “tremendous boost” for the North’s iconic historic sites and properties.
He added: “Overseas visitors and local people will be enriched with a much better, much more exciting experience. Schoolchildren will marvel even more so at our rich past.
“The acquisition of lands at Faughan Valley are mouth-watering.
“This will be a major shot in the arm for our tourism industry. It will create many more jobs and boost the economies of the areas in which these historic sites are located. Studies show we don’t harness the economical potential of our built and natural heritage as much as other countries in these isles. I want to change that. My vision is for a better environment and a stronger economy and this investment will go some way towards achieving that.
“I also welcome the better access for people and the better use community groups can make of these sites.”
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