To ask the Minister for Social Development what communication his Department has had with neighbourhood renewal projects in East Londonderry in respect of funding; and to detail how projects are being assessed to determine need and impacts so that communities with highest levels of deprivation will be supported via projects.

My Department wrote to project promoters of all existing Neighbourhood Renewal projects in June 2014 and December 2014 to confirm funding would continue to receive Neighbourhood Renewal funding up to 31 March 2015. Applications for further funding were subsequently sought and received. As advised in my earlier response to AQW 44067/11-15, each application was subject to a thorough assessment and appraisal process in line with the Northern Ireland Guide to Expenditure Appraisal and Evaluation and Managing Public Money NI. All eighteen were successful and will receive funding for 2015/16. I understand that officials have been in contact with each applicant and advised them of the outcome.

From 1April 2016, subject to the successful passing of relevant legislation, under the Reform of Local Government, the new Causeway Coast and Glens Council will be responsible for urban regeneration and community development and will take all decisions regarding funding from that date. I and my officials are in close, regular, contact with the new councils to help ensure business continuity.