Derry City applying for Grant Aid

[EalingGreen]

From both the Dublin Government AND the NI Executive! Smacks to me of wanting their cake and eating it.


Friday, 25 April 2008 15:56 UK

Derry want £5m from NI Executive

Derry City are to ask the Northern Ireland Executive for £5m of funds to help with the planned £15m redevelopment of the Brandywell.

Club chairman Pat McDaid told the BBC that the Irish Government will also be asked to provide £5m with the club coming up with the remaining £5m.

"It would be a regeneration for the whole of Brandywell which is a seriously derived area," McDaid added.

The plan could be contentious as Derry City play in the Republic's league.

Also clubs who play in the Northern Ireland football league, the Irish League, are likely to point out that several of their grounds are in dire need of funds for redevelopment.

However, the Derry chairman feels that his club have "a very strong case".

"We've already held meetings with the various bodies north and south and we're hopeful of securing the funding for a much-needed stadium in the second city of Northern Ireland."

McDaid and other Derry officials will hold discussions about the issues with representatives of the Northern Ireland Exectuive on Monday.

"Derry City is the second city in Northern Ireland. We play VAT on our gate receipts like every other sporting body up here.

"Although we play in the League of Ireland, we're a team from Northern Ireland.

"We play in the Setanta Cup which is an All-Ireland competition and we represent the city."


The plan is for the Brandywell to be turned into a 8,000 capacity stadium.

"This money would serve a dual purpose. It would provide a stadium for the football club which is long overdue and also provide a new way forward for the people of the Brandywell," added the Derry official.


"It's far too long since we've had a stadium we could be proud of

"It's been run down for years and is not fit for purpose.

"If we don't get it, it's going to cause serious problems as regards full-time football in the city of Derry."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/7367529.stm

[thischarmingman]

Smacks to me of wanting their cake and eating it.


How? We pay taxes to the government in the North and we're totally entitled to grant aid from them. For years we've been at a disadvantage financially from the fact we have to pay VAT on our ticket sales.

[shantykelly]

Smacks to me of wanting their cake and eating it.

Why? The club contributes to the exchequer of the UK and to the sporting culture of the Republic of Ireland. Why shouldn't they get aid from both governments? And why do you begrudge it? Fair enough, other Irish League clubs have got run down grounds and their own financial woes, but the brandywell is located in one of the most deprived areas of both Derry City and Northern Ireland. This is supposed to contribute (NOTE: Not Solve On Its Own) to the economic regeneration of the area. What's the issue?

[pól-dcfc]

From both the Dublin Government AND the NI Executive! Smacks to me of wanting their cake and eating it.



Here we go, here we go, here we go.

Smacks to me of another whinging IL fan who can't accept that Derry City don't want to play in their poxy league.

For years Derry has been neglected the central funding that a second city should have - the Uni in Coleraine, lack of decent transport links to Belfast etc etc. We pay our taxes in the North West. We deserve some of it back. And the plans for the Stadium will be beneficial to a massively deprived and delipidated area of the city.

[Sheridan]

The plan could be contentious as Derry City play in the Republic's league.

Also clubs who play in the Northern Ireland football league, the Irish League, are likely to point out that several of their grounds are in dire need of funds for redevelopment.
That's not tendentious reporting at all...

As much as I'd sooner see the money go into Irish football rather than further enriching the backward Gah-hordes or the horsey set, I don't see how our government can be expected to plough so much cash into regenerating a deprived area of another state (or could justify doing so). Unless the money's coming from the foreign aid budget.

[pól-dcfc]

That's not tendentious reporting at all...

As much as I'd sooner see the money go into Irish football rather than further enriching the backward Gah-hordes or the horsey set, I don't see how our government can be expected to plough so much cash into regenerating a deprived area of another state (or could justify doing so). Unless the money's coming from the foreign aid budget.

:rolleyes:

Sheesh.

Good to see the Republican ideal lives on in Dublin.

[Sheridan]

I'm not having a go, Pól, the shot's not on the board. It wouldn't go down well in either jurisdiction, unless it's done very subtly and indirectly.

[kdjaC]

€19 million they need according to one of todays papers, also they have shops and corporate boxes that can be used as classrooms too.

Is there room there or it being built close by?



kdjac

[EalingGreen]

So will the other Eircom clubs be happy at one of their Members receiving double lots of Government aid, whilst they have to make do with one?

And how does this little lot stand up?

"It would be a regeneration for the whole of Brandywell which is a seriously derived area," McDaid added.
Well try telling that e.g. to all those Donegal Celtic fans living on Millionaires' Row.

Or this little gem:
"If we don't get it, it's going to cause serious problems as regards full-time football in the city of Derry."
So the NI Government should spend millions sustaining full-time football for a club which doesn't even play in an NI League, whilst those that do are struggling to keep going on a part-time basis? Is anyone forcing Derry City to go full-time?

"We play VAT on our gate receipts like every other sporting body up here"
Yep, just like Institute, Coleraine and all the rest. Can those clubs apply to the Dublin Government for support? I guess not, since Dublin would just tell them to apply to the NI Executive, instead. Who'd then reply that they can't, since there's none left after giving five million big ones to Derry City.

"Derry City is the second city in Northern Ireland"
Well why not apply to Derry City Council for assistance? After all, we know how generous they are when it comes to helping out local football clubs. What's that? A different kind of "football"?

"We play in the Setanta Cup which is an All-Ireland competition and we represent the city."
Crikey. You make it sound like an unwelcome obligation. Message to Derry City FC: No-one is forcing you to participate in the Setanta.

Just like no-one is forcing you to stay in the Eircom. If you want to do so, fine - look for assistance to the Dublin Government, the FAI or Derry City Council.

But if you want assistance from the NI Executive, then play in an NI League - you would be more than welcome.

In the meantime, the NI Executive has no shortage of demands on its funding for football, like a National Stadium for our international team, or half-decent facilities for our IL clubs.

[EalingGreen]

Smacks to me of another whinging IL fan who can't accept that Derry City don't want to play in their poxy league.


Seems to me that it's Derry City FC who can't accept that they don't want to play in our "poxy" league - at least when it comes to hand-outs.

If they want to play in the Republic, under the jurisdiction of the FAI, then fine. Let them apply to the Dublin Government and/or the FAI for assistance.

Or if they want assistance from the NI Executive and/or the NI Sports Council, that's equally fine. Just let them play in NI, that's all (something I would genuinely welcome, btw).

[dancinpants]

Ealing the whole, "Play in the south, pay taxes in the north" argument went completely over your head didn't it?

[Aaron]

So will the other Eircom clubs be happy at one of their Members receiving double lots of Government aid, whilst they have to make do with one?

And how does this little lot stand up?

"It would be a regeneration for the whole of Brandywell which is a seriously derived area," McDaid added.
Well try telling that e.g. to all those Donegal Celtic fans living on Millionaires' Row.

Or this little gem:
"If we don't get it, it's going to cause serious problems as regards full-time football in the city of Derry."
So the NI Government should spend millions sustaining full-time football for a club which doesn't even play in an NI League, whilst those that do are struggling to keep going on a part-time basis? Is anyone forcing Derry City to go full-time?

"We play VAT on our gate receipts like every other sporting body up here"
Yep, just like Institute, Coleraine and all the rest. Can those clubs apply to the Dublin Government for support? I guess not, since Dublin would just tell them to apply to the NI Executive, instead. Who'd then reply that they can't, since there's none left after giving five million big ones to Derry City.

"Derry City is the second city in Northern Ireland"
Well why not apply to Derry City Council for assistance? After all, we know how generous they are when it comes to helping out local football clubs. What's that? A different kind of "football"?

"We play in the Setanta Cup which is an All-Ireland competition and we represent the city."
Crikey. You make it sound like an unwelcome obligation. Message to Derry City FC: No-one is forcing you to participate in the Setanta.

Just like no-one is forcing you to stay in the Eircom. If you want to do so, fine - look for assistance to the Dublin Government, the FAI or Derry City Council.

But if you want assistance from the NI Executive, then play in an NI League - you would be more than welcome.

In the meantime, the NI Executive has no shortage of demands on its funding for football, like a National Stadium for our international team, or half-decent facilities for our IL clubs.

The problems at all the other clubs in the North is not ours. Our city is in Northern Ireland, our club pays taxes, rates, VAT etc to the British Exchequer(sp). We are as entitled to a grant as much as any club in Northern Ireland is. his isnt just about the stadium, its about regeneration of one of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland. It will create jobs for the area.

[pól-dcfc]

"It would be a regeneration for the whole of Brandywell which is a seriously derived area," McDaid added.
Well try telling that e.g. to all those Donegal Celtic fans living on Millionaires' Row.

So no money for anyone unless money goes to all? No one would get any grant aid in that case.


Or this little gem:
"If we don't get it, it's going to cause serious problems as regards full-time football in the city of Derry."
So the NI Government should spend millions sustaining full-time football for a club which doesn't even play in an NI League, whilst those that do are struggling to keep going on a part-time basis? Is anyone forcing Derry City to go full-time?
For a club that plays in the North (half of the time) and pays it's taxes. The money is for regeneration.


"We play VAT on our gate receipts like every other sporting body up here"
Yep, just like Institute, Coleraine and all the rest. Can those clubs apply to the Dublin Government for support? I guess not, since Dublin would just tell them to apply to the NI Executive, instead. Who'd then reply that they can't, since there's none left after giving five million big ones to Derry City.
I'd say that they definitely can apply, you goose. Cross border money is available in quite substantial amounts.


"Derry City is the second city in Northern Ireland"
Well why not apply to Derry City Council for assistance? After all, we know how generous they are when it comes to helping out local football clubs. What's that? A different kind of "football"?
Bloody fenians and that money grabbing work shy attitude.


"We play in the Setanta Cup which is an All-Ireland competition and we represent the city."
Crikey. You make it sound like an unwelcome obligation. Message to Derry City FC: No-one is forcing you to participate in the Setanta.
Yawn.


Just like no-one is forcing you to stay in the Eircom. If you want to do so, fine - look for assistance to the Dublin Government, the FAI or Derry City Council.
Why not from the body that we pay our taxes to?


But if you want assistance from the NI Executive, then play in an NI League - you would be more than welcome.

The root of your problem with Derry, maybe?


In the meantime, the NI Executive has no shortage of demands on its funding for football, like a National Stadium for our international team, or half-decent facilities for our IL clubs.

Lets not forget why we joined the eL. After years of reapplication to 'your' league it was a last resort.

[pól-dcfc]

Seems to me that it's Derry City FC who can't accept that they don't want to play in our "poxy" league - at least when it comes to hand-outs.

If they want to play in the Republic, under the jurisdiction of the FAI, then fine. Let them apply to the Dublin Government and/or the FAI for assistance.

Or if they want assistance from the NI Executive and/or the NI Sports Council, that's equally fine. Just let them play in NI, that's all (something I would genuinely welcome, btw).

We DO play in NI.

[EalingGreen]

The problems at all the other clubs in the North is not ours. Our city is in Northern Ireland, our club pays taxes, rates, VAT etc to the British Exchequer(sp). We are as entitled to a grant as much as any club in Northern Ireland is. his isnt just about the stadium, its about regeneration of one of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland. It will create jobs for the area.

Name me one other IL club which is receiving (even asking for) anything like £5 million of assistance, in order to maintain what seems to be unsustainable full-time football?

Every other NI club has to cut its cloth accordingly. If Derry City can't survive at or near the top of the Eircom unless they are full-time, then they have a choice. Like find the money to sustain f-t football from their own resources. Or go part-time and see where that leaves them in the Eircom. Or go p-t and rejoin the Irish League.

This last one doubtless doesn't appeal, but at least they'd have an equal claim for NI Government assistance alongside Donegal Celtic, Cliftonville, Glentoran, Coleraine, Portadown, Newry City etc.

[pól-dcfc]

Name me one other IL club which is receiving (even asking for) anything like £5 million of assistance, in order to maintain what seems to be unsustainable full-time football?
I think you are missing the point. It isn't to sustain fulltime football. It is to update a stadium that is in dire need of the wrecking ball. It will produce jobs in the area during construction, and after in the various commercial premises planned.

[EalingGreen]

Ealing the whole, "Play in the south, pay taxes in the north" argument went completely over your head didn't it?

Just as the "Receive Government funding from Dublin and Government funding from Belfast, whilst every other club in the island has to make do with one or the other, all in order to sustain full-time football which appears otherwise unsustainable" argument is going over yours?

What next? Derry City to be allowed to field 22 players per game? Two sets of goalposts for the opposition to defend at the Brandywell?

[pete]

I don't care what the NI executive pay Derry City as makes no difference to me. Likewise it should make no difference to other NI clubs if Derry get funding from the FAI or ROI government.

[Aaron]

Name me one other IL club which is receiving (even asking for) anything like £5 million of assistance, in order to maintain what seems to be unsustainable full-time football?

Every other NI club has to cut its cloth accordingly. If Derry City can't survive at or near the top of the Eircom unless they are full-time, then they have a choice. Like find the money to sustain f-t football from their own resources. Or go part-time and see where that leaves them in the Eircom. Or go p-t and rejoin the Irish League.

This last one doubtless doesn't appeal, but at least they'd have an equal claim for NI Government assistance alongside Donegal Celtic, Cliftonville, Glentoran, Coleraine, Portadown, Newry City etc.

This has **** all to do with ploughing money into Derry City to sustain the club as full-time. Its about building a stadium and regenerating a deprived area. Its not about cutting our cloth, its about playing in a stadium which will attract more fans, therefore ploughing more money into the club.

The area will be regenerated and jobs will be created. This isnt just about Derry City getting a big payday for **** all, its about the Brandywell area as a whole. Its not our problem what other IL clubs do, our club is our own problem.

[osarusan]

This has **** all to do with ploughing money into Derry City to sustain the club as full-time. Its about building a stadium and regenerating a deprived area. Its not about cutting our cloth, its about playing in a stadium which will attract more fans, therefore ploughing more money into the club.

The area will be regenerated and jobs will be created. This isnt just about Derry City getting a big payday for **** all, its about the Brandywell area as a whole. Its not our problem what other IL clubs do, our club is our own problem.
The Irish govt is also being asked to fork out 5 million. Is this also to help regenerate a deprived area and create jobs?

[dancinpants]

Just as the "Receive Government funding from Dublin and Government funding from Belfast, whilst every other club in the island has to make do with one or the other, all in order to sustain full-time football which appears otherwise unsustainable" argument is going over yours?


Come back down to earth Ealing FFS.
:rolleyes:

[Greenforever]

In my opinion Derry City are quite entitles to apply to the NI gov for funding and should get it (or not) based on the projects merits not on where they play football etc.

They would not have a right to apply to the Irish gov for a grant as they are not in the state.

They are entitled to apply to the FAI for a grant which should also be judged on it's merits.

The situation is really no different to for example a Dublin Club applying to the Irish gov and the FAI for grants and getting grants from both OR an IL club applying to the NI gov and the IFA for grants and getting grants from both.

In my own experience our junior club received grants from both the FAI and the Irish Gov for our club redevelopment, so the only unique thing is that they would be getting 1 grant fromn the North and 1 from the south.

I can's see why anyone should have an issue with this, they are entitled to an FAI grant as they play under the jurisdiction of the FAI and are also entitled to a grant from the NI gov as they are located there.

[EalingGreen]

So no money for anyone unless money goes to all? No one would get any grant aid in that case.


No, if we are to accept your argument, then Derry City should just join the queue for their SHARE of grant aid, along with the other 40 senior clubs in NI. But there isn't £205 million currently available from the NI Executive for all 41 clubs, in case you're wondering.


For a club that plays in the North (half of the time) and pays it's taxes. The money is for regeneration.


So why should the Dublin Government subsidise a club which doesn't pay its taxes to them? Or have the clubs which do already received more money than they want? And why shou,d Dublin pay to regenerate somewhere in NI. Dp the taxpayers of e.g. Limerick not mind? Does Dundalk not need regeneration? As for Derry City playing in NI half the time, they also played in France and Scotland last year. Why not apply to their Governments for a hand out?


I'd say that they definitely can apply, you goose. Cross border money is available in quite substantial amounts.


But it isn't "cross-border money" which DCFC are applying for! Or can IL clubs apply to the Dublin Government for grant-aid? Can they fcuk!


Bloody fenians and that money grabbing work shy attitude.

Who brought religion into the argument? Disgraceful. But in your rush to condemn me with an irrelevant (and offensive) reply, you appear to have missed what I was saying. I am on the record for sympathising with Derry City for the disgracefully partial way they have been treated by their local Council, compared with local GAA clubs. Then again, what else would I expect from a Coucil dominated by "bloody fenians", eh? :rolleyes:


Yawn.


If that's your best reply, you'd have been better just tiptoeing past my point and hoping no-one notices.



Why not from the body that we pay our taxes to?



The root of your problem with Derry, maybe?



Lets not forget why we joined the eL. After years of reapplication to 'your' league it was a last resort.

There is nothing stopping you from relocating the club a few miles across the border. That way, you might even be closer to where some of your players live. And pay their taxes.



The root of your problem with Derry, maybe?

I don't have a "problem with Derry" and I'd appreciate it if you didn't make things up about me. I genuinely regret that they were forced out of the IL, esp since it was for indefensible reasons. I would love to see them back in the IL, but respect their choice to stay in the Eircom.
But the key word is "choice". and choices bring with them consequences, which in this case mean they ought not to be allowed to have it both ways. Either they are an ROI/FAI club and so benefit from ROI Government grant aid, or they are an NI/IFA club and benefit from NI government grant-aid. "Riding two horses at once" should not be an option, especially since it is not open to any other club on the island.



Lets not forget why we joined the eL. After years of reapplication to 'your' league it was a last resort.

If you're going to make 30 year-old arguments, don't be too surprised if you get 30 year-old replies. The fact is, Derry would be welcomed back in the IL if they chose to reapply now. And they would be eligible for all the benefits, and responsiblities, which any other IL club receives.

[EalingGreen]

I don't care what the NI executive pay Derry City as makes no difference to me. Likewise it should make no difference to other NI clubs if Derry get funding from the FAI or ROI government.

I have no objection towards DCFC obtaining funding from the FAI or ROI Govt.

But it does make a difference to me, as a fan of an IL club, if a club from another league, based in another country, gets funding from the NI Govt at the expense of IL clubs. You know, the ones who play all their games in NI.

[EalingGreen]

In my opinion Derry City are quite entitles to apply to the NI gov for funding and should get it (or not) based on the projects merits not on where they play football etc.

They would not have a right to apply to the Irish gov for a grant as they are not in the state.

They are entitled to apply to the FAI for a grant which should also be judged on it's merits.

The situation is really no different to for example a Dublin Club applying to the Irish gov and the FAI for grants and getting grants from both OR an IL club applying to the NI gov and the IFA for grants and getting grants from both.

In my own experience our junior club received grants from both the FAI and the Irish Gov for our club redevelopment, so the only unique thing is that they would be getting 1 grant fromn the North and 1 from the south.

I can's see why anyone should have an issue with this, they are entitled to an FAI grant as they play under the jurisdiction of the FAI and are also entitled to a grant from the NI gov as they are located there.

An entirely fair post, imo. I can have no objection to Derry City applying to the IFA for grant aid, in addition to grant-aid from the Irish Govt (who can assist whoever they like with their money). But this is not IFA aid DCFC are talking about, it's money from the NI Executive.

[SwanVsDalton]

Derry are looking out for number one and working damn hard to do it. These plans have hardly dropped out of the sky and if any IL club has a problem with it, they may put in the graft and make their own representations.

You may have a point in saying Derry can't have it both ways but, TBH, I don't care. These plans have been, slowly, in gear for years and, although there is no guarantee of success, both governments have been thusfar fairly receptive. And don't underestimate how beneficial this money will be to one of the most deprived areas in Ireland.

If you have a problem with how the executive distributes their money you could always take it up with them...

[EalingGreen]

Come back down to earth Ealing FFS.
:rolleyes:

My point about DCFC wanting money to sustain full-time football which appears otherwise unsustainable was derived from the following statement:

"If we don't get it [i.e. the grant-aid], it's going to cause serious problems as regards full-time football in the city of Derry."

Recognise the speaker? Does the name 'Pat McDaid' ring a bell? :rolleyes:

[pól-dcfc]

No, if we are to accept your argument, then Derry City should just join the queue for their SHARE of grant aid, along with the other 40 senior clubs in NI. But there isn't £205 million currently available from the NI Executive for all 41 clubs, in case you're wondering.
As stated earlier, the money isn't just for the club. Derry has been neglected for years by Belfast.


So why should the Dublin Government subsidise a club which doesn't pay its taxes to them? Or have the clubs which do already received more money than they want? And why shou,d Dublin pay to regenerate somewhere in NI. Dp the taxpayers of e.g. Limerick not mind? Does Dundalk not need regeneration? As for Derry City playing in NI half the time,they also played in France and Scotland last year. Why not apply to their Governments for a hand out?
Not many seem to have a problem with it.


But it isn't "cross-border money" which DCFC are applying for! Or can IL clubs apply to the Dublin Government for grant-aid? Can they fcuk!
Of course it would be cross-border money. Unless Derry has been relocated since the last time I was home.


Who brought religion into the argument? Disgraceful. But in your rush to condemn me with an irrelevant (and offensive) reply, you appear to have missed what I was saying. I am on the record for sympathising with Derry City for the disgracefully partial way they have been treated by their local Council, compared with local GAA clubs. Then again, what else would I expect from a Coucil dominated by "bloody fenians", eh? :rolleyes:
Apologies for that then. I've obviously read into your post in a way that was unintended.


If that's your best reply, you'd have been better just tiptoeing past my point and hoping no-one notices.
It was an irrelevant point. Hence the reply.


There is nothing stopping you from relocating the club a few miles across the border.
Aye true. Derry City FC, Donegal. Wise up you WUM.


That way, you might even be closer to where some of your players live. And pay their taxes.
Completely irrelevant. It is an individuals choice where they live.


I don't have a "problem with Derry" and I'd appreciate it if you didn't make things up about me. I genuinely regret that they were forced out of the IL, esp since it was for indefensible reasons. I would love to see them back in the IL, but respect their choice to stay in the Eircom.
Every single one of your posts on this topic come accross as very anti-Derry. I don't think you can blame people for thinking that you have a problem with the club.


But the key word is "choice". and choices bring with them consequences, which in this case mean they ought not to be allowed to have it both ways. Either they are an ROI/FAI club and so benefit from ROI Government grant aid, or they are an NI/IFA club and benefit from NI government grant-aid. "Riding two horses at once" should not be an option, especially since it is not open to any other club on the island.
Or a NI/FAI club. As we are. And we didn't have a choice 20 years ago. Maybe the IFA and it's member clubs should live with the consequences of their choice to kick Derry out of the league and then continually refuse our reapplications.


If you're going to make 30 year-old arguments, don't be too surprised if you get 30 year-old replies. The fact is, Derry would be welcomed back in the IL if they chose to reapply now. And they would be eligible for all the benefits, and responsiblities, which any other IL club receives.

Cheers. Glad to know you'd have us back. When our crowds are higher than almost any club on the island and we are playing good football and creating good atmosphere. Real philantropists the IFA.

[pól-dcfc]

My point about DCFC wanting money to sustain full-time football which appears otherwise unsustainable was derived from the following statement:

"If we don't get it [i.e. the grant-aid], it's going to cause serious problems as regards full-time football in the city of Derry."

Recognise the speaker? Does the name 'Pat McDaid' ring a bell? :rolleyes:

It's of course a side-effect.

[pól-dcfc]

An entirely fair post, imo. I can have no objection to Derry City applying to the IFA for grant aid, in addition to grant-aid from the Irish Govt (who can assist whoever they like with their money). But this is not IFA aid DCFC are talking about, it's money from the NI Executive.

Why would it be ok for the IFA to give us money? The club doesn't contribute much to the IFA coffers. We do however contribute to the Stormont Executive's budget. Surely it makes a huge amount more sense recieviung money from them than the IFA?

[EalingGreen]

Derry are looking out for number one
I admire your honesty. A touch of it would not go amiss from some of your fellow DCFC fans, mind.


You may have a point in saying Derry can't have it both ways but, TBH, I don't care. These plans have been, slowly, in gear for years and, although there is no guarantee of success, both governments have been thusfar fairly receptive. And don't underestimate how beneficial this money will be to one of the most deprived areas in Ireland.

Indeed. But there are IL clubs which are working equally hard to improve facilities, such as Glenavon, Portadown and Cliftonville, who are receiving only a fraction of £5m from the IFA, and nothing at all from the NI Executive, to whom DCFC are applying. Those clubs are operating in equally deprived areas paying VAT and taxes etc, just like DCFC, but cannot also apply for assistance from Dublin/FAI.



If you have a problem with how the executive distributes their money you could always take it up with them...

I might just do that!

[EalingGreen]

Why would it be ok for the IFA to give us money? The club doesn't contribute much to the IFA coffers. We do however contribute to the Stormont Executive's budget. Surely it makes a huge amount more sense recieviung money from them than the IFA?

Clubs throughout Ireland are entitled to grant aid from their Association and their Govt. So for e.g. Bohemians, this is the FAI and Dublin and for e.g. Clftonville, this is the IFA and Belfast.

Due to their unique circumstances, DCFC are obviously different in practice, but the same principles should apply i.e. one Association and one Government. I would suggest the former should be the IFA, since they are responsible for football in NI and DCFC are located in NI and for the latter, I would suggest it must be Dublin, since they reserve the right to play ina League which is situated in the ROI.

What is unacceptable to me is their attempt to be "Norn Iron" when it comes to getting assistance from IFA/NI Govt and "Oirish" when it comes to appealing to the FAI and Dublin.

Every other club in Ireland is forced to have it one way or the other. Derry City are given a dispensation to have a bit of one and a bit of the other. Fair enough.

But they now appear to be wanting all of one and all of the other. I don't blame you for trying, but sooner or later you should be required to sh1t, or get off the pot!

[geysir]

I suppose Derry City FC saw that the Irish Gov. were funding redevelopment of the A5 from Derry to Aughnacloy to the tune of £320m+ and thought - why not ask for for a few million to be thrown in their direction. You never know, if you don't ask you won't get it.

[Juanace]

Ah luvly to see nothing changes, do some of ye just luv petty points scoring or sumtin??

The real question here is why have Derry City FC only applied for funding now..under FAI Club Licenising they were supposed to have and enacted a redevelopment by now (along with other clubs), yet all they've done is ask for funds?? What have they been doing all this time!!

Couldnt they have ask years ago for funding from all the relevent sources!

[EalingGreen]

Every single one of your posts on this topic come accross as very anti-Derry. I don't think you can blame people for thinking that you have a problem with the club.

I've made my case on the various other points we've debated, but I won't let this one pass. Nowhere on this this thread, this Board, or any other Board, have I ever been disrespectful or anti-Derry City, On the contrary, when I have occasionally referred to them, it has generally been complimnentary and/or sympathetic.

I just feel that in this case, they are taking the p iss. Which normally wouldn't bother me, except that if successful, this would be depriving IL clubs of an enormous chunk of money, when I personally think they are more deserving of, since they cannot also get assistance from either the FAI or Dublin Government like DCFC.

If you therefore conclude that my objection to what I see as DCFC's brass neck over this specific issue must make me anti-DCFC per se, then it is you who has the problem.

[Mr A]

I think there is bound to be a certain amount of ease from other clubs who have struggled to secure grant monies about the scale of the assistance that Derry City are looking for here. If my understanding is correct Derry City are looking not just for a new stadium but for retail and commercial units which will seriously strengthen their hand financially. Good luck to them if they can pull if off, but there is bound to be a bit of comment from from other people who would see large amounts of public money ploughed into a private company, albeit a football club in a poor area, as slightly unusual.

[pól-dcfc]

Ah luvly to see nothing changes, do some of ye just luv petty points scoring or sumtin??

The real question here is why have Derry City FC only applied for funding now..under FAI Club Licenising they were supposed to have and enacted a redevelopment by now (along with other clubs), yet all they've done is ask for funds?? What have they been doing all this time!!

Couldnt they have ask years ago for funding from all the relevent sources!

Are you serious? You clearly know nothing of the circumstances. We have been requesting financial aid, and permission to buy and redevelop the stadium for a long long time. Unfortunately the council has held us up at every opportunity. This is the climax of a long and hard fought campaign.

[pól-dcfc]

I personally think they are more deserving of, since they cannot also get assistance from either the FAI or Dublin Government like DCFC.
.

You are WRONG though. Institute got Irish Govt funding for floodlights for their training pitch, and I believe Linfield have also taken money aswell.

[pól-dcfc]

I think there is bound to be a certain amount of ease from other clubs who have struggled to secure grant monies about the scale of the assistance that Derry City are looking for here. If my understanding is correct Derry City are looking not just for a new stadium but for retail and commercial units which will seriously strengthen their hand financially. Good luck to them if they can pull if off, but there is bound to be a bit of comment from from other people who would see large amounts of public money ploughed into a private company, albeit a football club in a poor area, as slightly unusual.

It's simple economics. It is a sensible decision for the NI Exec to plough money into the Brandywell. More jobs= smaller dole queues, and more money being contributed in taxes to the exchequer. I'd say in a few years the Govt will have made back it's money, plus some.

[dancinpants]

Also interesting to note a point raised in the IL Forum, that the Exchequer get a bigger pay day from one City match than it would from multiple IL games. :ball:

[Juanace]

Are you serious? You clearly know nothing of the circumstances. We have been requesting financial aid, and permission to buy and redevelop the stadium for a long long time. Unfortunately the council has held us up at every opportunity. This is the climax of a long and hard fought campaign.


All they've done is request funds. I'd be stunned if they get them as well for all the many counter-arguments. You say this is the climax, is there a decision in the next day or two? Have you a choosen a perfered contractor to build the stadium / has the design been agreed pending the funding..assuming it has what happens if it fails to get the 15million needed..back to square one again. believe me i hope you get it..as an eircom league fan i really want the facilities to grow, it just seems Dery (And loads more clubs) have been talking and talking for years about getting a new stadium and now i read they're only hopeing to get some funds!

[Dazzy]

All they've done is request funds. I'd be stunned if they get them as well for all the many counter-arguments. You say this is the climax, is there a decision in the next day or two? Have you a choosen a perfered contractor to build the stadium / has the design been agreed pending the funding..assuming it has what happens if it fails to get the 15million needed..back to square one again. believe me i hope you get it..as an eircom league fan i really want the facilities to grow, it just seems Dery (And loads more clubs) have been talking and talking for years about getting a new stadium and now i read they're only hopeing to get some funds!

The council only give us permission to seek funding for the stadium a few months ago after 2 years of trying. Nothing gets handed over from the council unless funding is in place.

[dcfc_1928]

This has been a long process and Derry are asking the Irish government for money, because in discussions with Irish Government representatives, it has been intimated that funding will be made available to DCFC to use the stadium as a hub for redevelopment of the local community.

[pól-dcfc]

All they've done is request funds. I'd be stunned if they get them as well for all the many counter-arguments. You say this is the climax, is there a decision in the next day or two? Have you a choosen a perfered contractor to build the stadium / has the design been agreed pending the funding..assuming it has what happens if it fails to get the 15million needed..back to square one again. believe me i hope you get it..as an eircom league fan i really want the facilities to grow, it just seems Dery (And loads more clubs) have been talking and talking for years about getting a new stadium and now i read they're only hopeing to get some funds!

We have released plans for the new stadium and I'd assume a contrator has been choosen. Details here http://www.derrycityfc.net/season/07/news/displaystory.php?storyid=182

There is a wealth of info floating about concerning the protracted dealings with the council. Work has been ongoing for a long time, but with a council who doesn't seem to care but also own the stadium, delays are understandable.

[Greenforever]

An entirely fair post, imo. I can have no objection to Derry City applying to the IFA for grant aid, in addition to grant-aid from the Irish Govt (who can assist whoever they like with their money). But this is not IFA aid DCFC are talking about, it's money from the NI Executive.

Most of your cpmments make sense and are certainly not anti Derry as such, however I think you have it wrong in who they should be entilted to apply to:

State funding should come from the NI executive IF it is deemed a worthy project it should not come from Dublin, we have to respect that Derry City is located in a differentt jurisdiction.

Football funding (excuse my description - but you know what I mean) should come from the assocaition to which ther are affiliated to namely the FAI, again based on it's merits.

The amount applied for may be way over that of what other clubs throughout Ireland are looking for, but to this I would congratulate thme for being ambitious and fighting their corner.

I don't see how the IFA could countenance a grant payment to a club not affiliated to it NOR the Irish government likewise to a club in a different jurisdiction.

[dcfc_1928]

We were in a bit of a catch-22 situation. We could not apply for funding unless we had ownership of the ground.

It has taken a few years for us to get agreement from Derry City Council to take over ownership of the ground.

Now that is sorted out, we can begin the formal process of applying for funding. It's all part of the process.

What worries me is that, since we first (informally) promised money by the Irish government, the economy isn't as strong as it was.


All they've done is request funds. I'd be stunned if they get them as well for all the many counter-arguments. You say this is the climax, is there a decision in the next day or two? Have you a choosen a perfered contractor to build the stadium / has the design been agreed pending the funding..assuming it has what happens if it fails to get the 15million needed..back to square one again. believe me i hope you get it..as an eircom league fan i really want the facilities to grow, it just seems Dery (And loads more clubs) have been talking and talking for years about getting a new stadium and now i read they're only hopeing to get some funds!

[dcfc_1928]

http://www.derryjournal.com/3422/Brandywell-discussed-at-39highest-levels39.3781258.jp

February 2008

THE refurbishment of Derry's Brandywell Stadium has been discussed at the 'highest levels' in the Republic and funding for the project is currently on the agenda, John Byrne, an F.A.I. Executive Officer, confirmed to the 'Journal' last night.
Mr. Byrne, whose remit within the Football Association of Ireland is to liaise with the Irish Government in relation to capital spending on sport, also confirmed that he has been present at a number of these high profile meetings and insisted he would be ‘very surprised’ if Brandywell Properties Ltd. - the firm behind the refurbishment plans - did not have an application for funding lodged in the Sports Capital Programme.

Following reports this week that alleged funding deadlines had not been met by Brandywell Properties - which is acting on behalf of Derry City Football Club - Mr. Byrne confirmed that the deadline for application for sports funding within the Sports Capital Programme would not expire until Wednesday, March 5.

He said: “I would be very surprised if an application for funding from Brandywell Properties was not on this list. I can also confirm that meetings have been held at the highest level in relation to the refurbishment of Brandywell Stadium and I can confirm that funding for the Brandywell project has been on the agenda,.”

The FAI official also confirmed that, should the FAI and Irish Football Association (IFA) be successful in securing the 2011 UEFA Under-21 Championships, Brandywell Stadium would be “high on the list” to stage games.

He said: “There have been several meetings in relation to both the FAI and IFA hosting the 2011 European Under-21 Championships. Both organisations will apply jointly to host that tournament - north and south of the border - and, if we are successful in our application, then Brandywell Stadium in Derry would be high our list to stage games. “If we are successful in our application to UEFA, then Brandywell Stadium will have a role to play - but not in its current state as it would not hold the necessary criteria to host such high profile games.”

Mr. Byrne said he was aware that funding was also being sought from the British Government and that meetings had taken place with the relevant people.

It’s understood that directors from Brandywell Properties have travelled to Stormont to meet with the N. Ireland Sports Minister, Edwin Poots and, indeed, hosted a meeting with the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, in relation to attracting funding.

And with the business plan now completed by Peter Quinn Consultancy, it’s understood Brandywell Properties is now in a position to lodge both applications with the Irish and British Governments before the end of the month.

In fact, it is also understood that another meeting between Brandywell Properties Ltd. and Derry City Council’s Development Committee could be arranged for as early as next week to give the Development Committee an update on the progress made by Brandywell Properties in relation to funding.

[dcfcsteve]

Just as the "Receive Government funding from Dublin and Government funding from Belfast, whilst every other club in the island has to make do with one or the other, all in order to sustain full-time football which appears otherwise unsustainable" argument is going over yours?

What next? Derry City to be allowed to field 22 players per game? Two sets of goalposts for the opposition to defend at the Brandywell?

EG - I can't work out if you're being more of a WUM or a muppet over this.

Derry City didn't join the Republic's league for fun. Remember - the biggoted idiots who run your league constantly refused to let the club back in for 13 years - even when assessments said there was no security risk playing at the Brandywell. We had no choice but to turn south.

So when you can name me one other club on the island that was based in one jurisdiction and forced to play football in the other, then I'll give your point some credence about taking funding from both jurisdictions. Until such time, I suggest you dry yer feckin eyes, or take your sob story to one of the rabid Irish League forums where it'll be warmly embrased with further bile....

[pól-dcfc]

EG - I can't work out if you're being more of a WUM or a muppet over this.

Derry City didn't join the Republic's league for fun. Remember - the biggoted idiots who run your league constantly refused to let the club back in for 13 years - even when assessments said there was no security risk playing at the Brandywell. We had no choice but to turn south.

So when you can name me one other club on the island that was based in one jurisdiction and forced to play football in the other, then I'll give your point some credence about taking funding from both jurisdictions. Until such time, I suggest you dry yer feckin eyes, or take your sob story to one of the rabid Irish League forums where it'll be warmly embrased with further bile....

Great post.

[kingdomkerry]

Derry City are entitled to funding from the Irish Government the same as any other EL club and they should milk the NI executive for whatever they can get.

**** the begrudgers like EG!!!!!