DUP Ministers’ preference for industrial investment in Newry questioned by TUV
11 February 2011
Responding to the announcement by DUP Ministers Arlene Foster and Edwin Poots of a £38million investment in the acquisition and development of land for industrial use in Newry, TUV Leader Jim Allister has questioned why one of the last such investments for which DETI has money is going to further develop the Belfast/Dublin corridor, rather than locations, like Ballymoney, where unemployment has doubled in recent years.
In a statement Jim Allister said:-
“In its budget statement DETI announced it faces a massive 64% cut in its capital budget and confesses that it won’t have any money for new industrial development over the next 4 years. (See http://www.detini.gov.uk/2804_3_-2.doc where it expressly says, “Invest NI would not now be able to pursue the purchase and development of any new land for industrial development purposes over and above that which is currently in train.”).
“So, we are fast reaching the last acquisitions for 4 years of land for industrial use. I am sure I will not be the only resident of North Antrim to be surprised, given, for example, the large increase in unemployment in Ballymoney, that the DUP ministers prefer expansion of the Dublin economic corridor by investing £38m in acquiring even further land, a massive 73 acres, for industrial development and business park at Newry. Such preference from Sinn Fein ministers would not have been a surprise, but it is sad that DUP ministers do not have different priorities.
“The importance of such investment is evident from Minister Foster’s words in announcing the Newry project:
"This significant investment by Invest NI will provide essential business infrastructure. The provision of industrial land is an integral part of support for economic development in that it ensures that local and foreign investors have access to the high quality serviced sites that they need to support the set up and growth of sustainable businesses.
"The facilities offered by this new business park will help Newry continue to develop as an attractive and successful business hub. In addition, it will provide a significant boost to the construction sector and associated supply chain as the necessary infrastructure works commence."
“North Antrim equally deserves and needs high quality serviced sites if we are to attract inward investment and become a more successful business hub, but, sadly, Newry is the preferred ministerial choice. We’ve seen a succession of factory closures in Ballymoney, in particular, but no Invest NI or DETI response to match that proffered to Newry. Why? ”
