SINN Féin MP Elisha McCallion has said the Irish government’s National Planning Framework must not neglect the economic needs of the North West of Ireland.
The Foyle MP said: “Sinn Féin will be carefully analysing the Irish government’s National Planning Framework (NPF) over the coming days and a considered response will be delivered in the Dáil next week.
“However, initial impressions indicate that the north of Ireland is merely an add-on to the economic and infrastructural priorities of the Irish government identified in the NPF.
“The greater Dublin area appears to be the focus once again, leaving the gaping regional imbalance between the North West region, in which Derry city is a major hub of activity and population, unaddressed.
“The economic potential of Derry City, as an integral part of a wider strategy for the North West, has not yet been realised.
“Without Irish government support and the possibility of British government contributions to Derry’s Strategic Growth Plan, which we continue to explore, the longstanding regional imbalances, deprivation and economic deficiencies of the North West will remain unaddressed.
“The Irish government must bring an end to Dublin-centric planning, and support the economic activity of North West.”
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