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S. E. A. Statements

Proposed Privatisation of the Brandywell

Friday 9th June 2006

The SEA hopes that voices will be raised on the council against the plan to privatise the Brandywell.

That's what's happening---privatisation. We shouldn't be fooled by the spin.

If it's the Brandywell today, will it be Templemore tomorrow, or Lisnagelvin, or the City Baths? Is this the New Labour agenda of flogging off public amenities for private profit?

This move could mean job losses and worse conditions.

The fact that it's a hugely popular institution like Derry City FC which is involved shouldn't blind us to the issues raised.

All the facts should be out in the open. The people should have access to whatever business development plan exists. Has any integrated plan been discussed dealing with the whole tract of land from Stanley's Walk to the Letterkenny Road roundabout?

What are the implications for the council workforce? Have the workers been consulted?

We have a large and growing homeless problem in Derry. Is social housing a factor in the development plans? Or amenities for young people?

There are more questions than answers so far. The SEA is fundamentally opposed to privatisation, whether it's the free market ripping through our health and education services, or local amenties being handed over to private concerns. This is the context in which the Brandywell issue should be considered.





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