Derry City applying for Grant Aid

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/foot...sh/7367529.stm

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Smacks to me of wanting their cake and eating it.

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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.

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

Smacks to me of wanting their cake and eating it.

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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?

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by Sheridan

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.

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:rolleyes:

Sheesh.

Good to see the Republican ideal lives on in Dublin.

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.

€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

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pól-dcfc

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

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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).

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

"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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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?

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

"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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

"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"?

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Bloody fenians and that money grabbing work shy attitude.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

"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.

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Yawn.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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

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The root of your problem with Derry, maybe?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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).

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We DO play in NI.

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Originally Posted by City till I Die

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.

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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?

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dancinpants

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

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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?

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EalingGreen

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.

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by City till I Die

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.

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The Irish govt is also being asked to fork out 5 million. Is this also to help regenerate a deprived area and create jobs?