derrycitychat.com

The 40% requirement is ridiculous. But this is unlikely to be an attempt to single Derry out. Ballymena United are also impacted (the council own their stadium), and possibly Coleraine too (who have a non-council third-party owner). I think Carrick Rangers ground may also be council-owmed too (?).

I think it's not unreasonable to assume that councils have deeper pockets than football clubs, so could contribute more - but not by a factor of 8. Especially after Stormont's 14 years of delay has led to costs rocketing. 10% for council's would seem fair in my mind.

I'm not sure how the 40#% requirement has suddenly dawned upon our council now though? Why did they not pick up on it when the criteria was first announced?

stevebradley wrote: Fri Feb 28, 2025 1:24 am The 40% requirement is ridiculous. But this is unlikely to be an attempt to single Derry out. Ballymena United are also impacted (the council own their stadium), and possibly Coleraine too (who have a non-council third-party owner).

I think it's not unreasonable to assume that councils have deeper pockets than football clubs, so could contribute more - but not by a factor of 8. Especially after Stormont's 14 years of delay has led to costs rocketing. 10% for council's would seem fair in my mind.

I'm not sure how the 40#% requirement has suddenly dawned upon our council now though? Why did they not pick up on it when the criteria was first announced?

I think in the article it says that Dept of Communities funded the business case & as far as council were aware whilst putting together the case along with Derry City that any funding granted would require 5% regardless who owned the stadium. Maybe the delay in the council's reaction comes from a possible belief that they thought Derry City (or Philip) was going to stump up the 40%?

Idiots in office. Another fiasco...

1. Why 40%? why not 15%, 25%, 30% or 45%... - would love to understand the justification.

2. Why are the Council only reacting to this now?

3. If it's only for football clubs in ownership of their own grounds (and not third party ownerships) then how many does that rule out?

4. Incidentally, it will also affect Stute and their application for funds...