Business case for long-delayed Triangle repairs awaits sign off

The Housing Executive submitted an economic appraisal for the works in Clooney Tarrace, the Dungiven Road and Duddy’s Court last November.

However, the department has raised a number of issues around the business case for the work programme.

These are now being worked through with the aim of carrying out the repairs in the near future.

Housing Minister Carál Ní Chuilín met residents to listen to their concerns over delays to the work during a recent visit to Derry.

Foyle MLA Martina Anderson accompanied the minister on her visit.

She said: “I have been working closely with my party colleague Councillor Christopher Jackson to try and get a resolution over the length of time it is taking to undertake badly needed renovations of homes in Clooney Terrace, Dungiven Road and Duddy’s Court.

“I contacted the Minister for the Communities Carál Ní Chuilín and asked whether her department could work in partnership with the Housing Executive to implement a scheme which would lead to the renovation of these properties.

“I received a reply from her office this week to say the Housing Executive recently undertook an Economic Appraisal for the properties in Clooney Terrace, Dungiven Road and Duddy’s Court.

“This explored a range of potential investment options for the blocks. The Appraisal needs the approval of her Department and was submitted to it by the Housing Executive on November 15 2019. DfC Officials are considering the appraisal and have asked for some further considerations from the Housing Executive. And these are currently being explored.”

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive confirmed this to have been the case.

“An Economic Appraisal for the homes in Clooney Terrace, Dungiven Road and Duddy’s Court was submitted to the Department for Communities in November 2019. Departmental officials raised a number of issues around the business case, and these are currently being worked on,” the spokesperson said.

Ms. Anderson said: “Residents just want the work done, so I hope all parties can work collectively to get this resolved as speedily as possible.”

A Department for Communities spokesperson said: “The NIHE has submitted a business case for refurbishment of Waterside Triangle to the Department.

“It is currently being considered.”