McLaughlin makes case for North West Investment Zone

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has called for a redoubled effort to make the case for the establishment of an Investment Zone in the North West, adding that the lack of devolution will frustrate efforts to introduce this measure for jobs and growth in the city.

It follows correspondence from the UK Minister for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison outlining the rationale for such Zones and re-iterating that any Investment Zone in Northern Ireland is subject to the return of a devolved administration.

Said the Foyle MLA: “When the UK Government confirmed that there would be at least one Investment Zone in Northern Ireland, it was as clear as day to people here that Derry as the capital of the North West region should be at the top of the list to be designated as such a zone.

“It is critical that we take deliberate measures such as these to address the urgent need for jobs and investment in our city.

“Moreover, we are well-positioned in the sectors that the government has identified as priority areas, such as life sciences and I believe that political representatives must act proactively to make the case for Derry in order to attract this kind of investment.

“Unfortunately, we know that the lack of an Executive and Assembly here will mean that no Investment Zone will be established until the ongoing boycott is ended and government is back up and running here.

“This is just another example of why we need to back at work in Stormont, dealing with the issues people are facing on a daily basis and working to counteract the decades of economic neglect of this region.

“We will be making a robust case to the British Government on this measure, outlining the strengths of our region and articulating the value of this step to our specific context.

“I look forward to continued engagement with relevant Ministers on this issue.”

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