Darren Guy welcomes £3m for City of Derry Airport but expresses caution over Stormont promises

However, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Alderman said he remained ‘cautious over talk of the Economy Minister [Conor Murphy] transferring operations to Stormont’.

"The announced investment in the airport by the Infrastructure Minister [John O’Dowd] of £3 million is to be welcomed. The money which will be used for airport operations will be a relief to rate payers and it will secure the jobs of airport staff,” he declared.

Ald. Guy was speaking after Mr. O’Dowd announced the funding to support the operational running of the airport until April.

Earlier this month Mr. Murphy said his department was in the process of taking responsibility for the funding provided to CoDA by Derry City & Strabane District Council.

Ald. Guy said: "Whilst we wait to see if airport operations are to be transferred to the Economy Minister Conor Murphy in 2025, I would urge caution.

"We have received payments in the past to assist with the airport running costs from the UK Government, which then subsequently stopped.

"Where will the £3 million come from each year, and what will Stormont take from Council in return?"

"They've already cut the Rates Support Grant year on year. So, we've got to ask ourselves will the residents of our city and district, be any better off?" he asked.

Ald. Guy said the substantial subvention provided to the airport had divided many ratepayers.

“With that arrangement at an end, there’s a real opportunity to deliver some relief for ratepayers,” he said.

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