A FORMER Co Derry council being investigated for its procurement procedures has been praised for its "tremendous vision and enterprise" by a Sinn Féin minister.
Magherafelt District Council’s public tender policy has been under the spotlight since The Irish News revealed that a single architects’ firm was awarded design contracts that were not put out to tender.
Coleraine-based W&M Given architects was directly awarded eight design contracts by the council between 1995 and 2014 to the value of £22.75m.
Earlier this year the Irish News revealed that the firm was awarded the design project, without a tender, for a £4m centre dedicated to the memory of poet Seamus Heaney in Bellaghy, Co Derry, in 2014.
The Audit Office has also confirmed it is looking at procurement as part of an ongoing audit of Magherafelt District Council.
Magherafelt District Council merged with Cookstown and Dungannon councils last year to form the new Mid-Ulster District Council.
Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín yesterday praised the old Magherafelt council as she toured the site of the new Seamus Heaney Arts and Literary Centre in Bellaghy, along with deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, after the pair announced £980,000 funding towards the construction.
Ms Ní Chuilín said "Mid Ulster District Council, and previously Magherafelt District Council, have shown tremendous vision and enterprise in aiming to create a timely, lasting and educational tribute to this famous son of Derry.
"It is appropriate that it is to be located in his beloved Bellaghy and I know it will be a lasting symbol in an area that has previously suffered from under investment."
Meanwhile, First Minister Martin McGuinness said the new centre was a "fitting way to celebrate the contribution of a literary giant".
"People will travel from near and far for this unique insight into the world of Seamus Heaney. Within the centre his first writing desk, books and manuscripts will be on display. To be able to see these items first hand offers a personal and powerful connection to Seamus Heaney which has only been made possible by the support and generosity of the Heaney family".
