Munce calls on Derry City Council to consider paying legal and other expenses for Donnybrewer Residents
UUP Foyle Assembly Candidate, Peter Munce said today that Derry City Council should consider providing financial assistance to the residents of Donnybrewer to help cover any legal or other expenses they may incur in the public inquiry to be held into Derry City Council’s bid to demolish homes in the area to facilitate the expansion of the airport.
Last week the Department of Regional Development announced that there would be a local inquiry into Derry City Council’s bid to demolish homes and business in the Donnybrewer area, on April 17th.
UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey along with UUP Councillor Mary Hamilton visited the residents who live near the airport last December.
In a statement Mr Munce said,
“In the interests of fairness and equality I think it is only right that Derry City Council should consider covering any legal or other expenses that the Donnybrewer resident’s may incur during this inquiry. After all they are rate payers too and will be contributing, through their rate bills, to the Council’s expenses.
“The new inquiry is a step in the right direction and I am glad to see that the Department are listening more attentively to the resident’s concerns. If the vesting orders are granted, the result for the local residents could be disastrous.
“There were other options available for the airport expansion, which would have removed the need for homes to be demolished.”