The British government is pausing work on City Deals in the North of Ireland, including one for Derry.
The deals are packages of funding and decision-making powers negotiated between central government and local authorities.
The implications of the pause are not yet clear, but Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill described it as “unacceptable and deplorable”.
There are four deals in Northern Ireland: Derry City and Strabane, the Belfast City region, Mid South West region, and Causeway Coast and Glens.
Ms O’Neill called the UK government’s approach “extremely short-sighted” and urged ministers to reconsider.
“These City and Growth Deals will be game-changers for the regeneration of our cities and towns and a catalyst for economic growth and creating good jobs,” she said.
“It’s crucial that they continue as planned.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said Stormont officials “were informed of this potential direction of travel on Wednesday”.
“We raised this during a meeting with the Chancellor in London on Thursday, spelling out the dire consequences such a decision would have and urged for a reconsideration,” said the DUP MLA.
The total value of the deals is valued at more than £1bn with most of the money coming from the British government.
Sinn Fein Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald said she has written to the Treasury “calling on them to immediately reverse this reprehensible decision”.
She said it has come “less than a week before the scheduled signing of the Derry City and Strabane Deal”.
“The British government have said it’s attempting to reset relationships; instead, they have acted in very bad faith,” Archibald added.
“I am calling on them to step up and honour the commitments and pledges made on City Deals, where significant plans and contracts have already been put in place at significant cost to local councils, project promoters, the Civil Service, and Whitehall Departments.”
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