The Derry Journal covered the aircraft maintenance project today and it looks more sinister than initially appeared.
The project was originally planned for Derry and had a funding package in place. Apparently at the preliminary stage the project failed however it is only being revealed now that the Belfast project is copper fastened. Why was this news delayed?
Since Derry Airport first came up with the idea and had funding in place, when it didn't pass the preliminary stage why was the second company not engaged for Derry, why did it instead end up in Belfast?
At what stage did Invest NI approach the company for the Belfast project? On what basis was it decided which of the two companies should locate at each airport?
Why did Invest NI not propose both companies locate at LDY to create an industry cluster like they like to do in other industries in Belfast? The airport has sufficient land and sufficient landing slots to facilitate two such companies.
It's like the 1000 Stream jobs all over again. Or the film studios for Shackelton barracks. Or a thousand other examples........
I can't remember a single example when a Belfast project fell through but the Derry project completed, certainly not when government or any of its agencies are involved.