Statement from Civic Regeneration Forum re Project KELVIN

Following a meeting with representatives from Civic Regeneration Forum with DETI Officials and the approved contractor for project KELVIN, Mayor, Cllr Gerard Diver said the meeting only confirmed the city's belief that the Telehouse should be located here. Speaking after the meeting he said:

"Today's meeting was challenging and there were many questions that went unanswered. We have requested the suspension of project Kelvin and are seeking an urgent review of the procurement process and we want DETI to reaffirm its commitment to locate the Telehouse in Derry as per the original tender. We must remain single minded in this objective and insist there is no disadvantage to this city.

"It was clear the change in the proposed location for the Telehouse was not communicated to the relevant stakeholders and there was minimum regard shown to the city, its elected representative and the business community. There is a clear variance in opinion between the view of the Department and the city on the importance of the location and resulting economic benefits of the Telehouse".

Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce, Janice Tracey said: "Since this issue was highlighted we have been extremely concerned how the project has manifested itself in such a different format from the original tender. The meeting today has given us confidence that we are correct and have raised legitimate questions with the sponsoring department. All documentation identifies Derry as the mandatory location for the Telehouse and this appears to have been ignored.

"The city remains totally committed to Project Kelvin and the unique connectivity it brings to the region. However, we believe that we are best positioned to take advantage of a Telehouse and the added investment this will bring. We remain single minded and determined, with our city colleagues to challenge this entire process".

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