Londonderry regeneration body, Ilex, fails to fill second top post

Ilex was established to promote the economic and social regeneration of Derry

The Londonderry regeneration body, Ilex, has again failed to fill one of its top positions.

A public recruitment competition for a chief executive did not find any suitable candidates, according to the Office of First and Deputy First Minister.

Last year, it faced a similar problem when it advertised for a chairman.

The post of chief executive was vacated by Aideen McGinley, who left for the BBC Trust last October.

In answer to a question posed by Sinn Fein MLA Phil Flanagan, OFMDFM said other ways to fill the vacancy were now being explored.

Ms McGinley had been seconded from the civil service.

Ilex has also been without a permanent chairman for 15 months, although OFMDFM said it hoped to make an announcement "in the near future."

The Public Appointments Commissioner, John Keanie, has previously been critical over the length of time taken to replace Sir Roy McNulty.

Ilex was established in 2003 to redevelop two former military bases, Ebrington and Fort George, and was part of Derry's successful bid to be UK City of Culture.

In 2012, the Public Accounts Committee criticised Ilex for spending £400,000 withot proper approvals.