Decontamination underway and plans for EU digi-hub

Decontamination is underway at the former military base and there are now plans to submit an EU funding application for a major science and technology development in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Science and Technology Park (NISTP) and the Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LIT).

During a briefing to the Stormont OFMDFM Committee recently ILEX Chief Aideen McGinley said the urban regeneration company wanted to use a third of the former military base as digital hub.

She said this would coincide neatly with Londonderry’s soon-to-be-confirmed status as Ireland’s first 100 per cent broadband enabled city.

She told the Committee: “I am glad to report that, thankfully, we are making progress on decontamination, and we are looking at soft market testing and putting in the infrastructure.

“Most importantly, in the regeneration plan, it was identified as a point to make the most of our digital capability.

“As a direct result of corporate sponsorship through City of Culture, we have fast-tracked our digital connectivity with BT this year, and we will be the first city on the island of Ireland and one of the first in the UK to be 100 per cent broadband enabled.

“The Fort George site was seen to be our centre for science and technology. I am delighted that we now have a partnership with the university, the Northern Ireland Science Park in Belfast and the Letterkenny Institute of Technology for a major INTERREG application, which would be for about a third of the site and would start to put the footprint down.”

Ms McGinley went on to reaffirm to members of the Committee her belief Londonderry’s iconic new Peace Bridge would be completed in the spring and opened in June.

She told members: “The second big project is owned by DSD. It is the peace bridge, which is scheduled for completion for May, and we hope to open it in June.

“Major events and programmes are being planned, with community involvement.

“Indeed, a particular aspect of that are the social clauses and the fact that we have been able to employ 12 local people on that capital project. Again, it has been an exemplary model of best practice in employment.”