Report on Ilex endorsed by Chamber of Commerce

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce welcomes the review of Ilex conducted by consultants BDO. The Chamber agrees with the observations on the difficult history of Ilex and endorses the report's six recommendations for action.

"All the recommendations would add and strengthen Ilex's ability to deliver for Derry," says Chamber chief executive Sinead McLaughlin. "We particularly welcome the call for a single sponsoring government department, as the existing complex governance arrangements and sponsorship from two departments have not helped progress.

"The welcome news in the review is that over the last few years, under the chairmanship of Sir Roy McNulty and the leadership of Aideen McGinley, the organisation has made significant advances. The Chamber recognises that a step change has taken place.

"Ilex played a key role in winning the City of Culture title for Derry-Londonderry and in improving the tourism and commercial offer of the North West. Ilex has also developed a comprehensive set of socio-economic data and assisted residents of all ages and various backgrounds to have a say in how Derry-Londonderry should be regenerated. Ilex took the lead in developing the one vision, one city, one voice and finally one plan. Ilex was unstinting in its support and encouragement for the entire city throughout this mammoth task.

"Ilex has given us the language of revival, helped us all articulate the problems and to identify solutions.
The new Peace Bridge will open this year; Ebrington Square will be finished this year; Ilex took a major role in the successful bid for City of Culture; it is promoting City of Culture as part of our culturally-driven regeneration; and is currently working on the investment strategy

"There is much more work to be done, and rather than concentrate on the previous difficulties experienced by Ilex, let us now be encouraged and harness the new energy. Hopefully over the next couple of years, with some improvement in the economy, we might ramp-up the activity and develop our assets on both the Ebrington and Fort George sites. Ilex is currently working on an investment strategy to underpin the regeneration strategy. Implementation and delivery are now our main focus moving forward and it is essential for the welfare of the city, its commerce and its people that Ilex now finishes this task."