Jobs loss shock at Inner City Trust

Derry has received some bad news with the announcement of the loss of 40 jobs at the Inner City Trust.

Founded to promote the relief of poverty and the advancement of education, in particular for young people, by providing training facilities for the acquisition and development of occupational skills and work experience, the Inner City Trust has pursued a project of rejuvenation and restoration in the area.

Sinn Féin Concillor Barney O’Hagan has expressed surprise and disappointment at the news of the job losses.

Cllr O’Hagan said: "The Inner City Trust has made a significant contribution to the development of Derry as a tourist destination. The Calgach Centre, the Heritage Centre and the construction of the award winning Tower Museum owe much to the vision and work of the Inner City Trust. To learn that the Trust will not be receiving European support came as a shock and it will not assist the project of developing Derry as the regional capital of the North West."

Mr O'Hagan went on to express concern at the "threat" that the current distribution of European monies poses to community based projects, stating that the news of cutbacks at the Inner City Trust "confirms those concerns".

He added: "ESF and Peace 1 monies went some way to creating the necessary infrastructure in the community and voluntary sector. It is vital that this infrastructure, and the skills and experience acquired as a result of European funding are not lost.

"There is a direct requirement on the Executive, who have committed themselves to building sustainable communities and to making a difference in the most deprived communities to ensure these important and valuable projects are not lost."

(CL)