SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Economy that £5 million will be allocated to Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of the £45 million funding package for Local Economic Partnerships.
This allocation represents the highest share of funding awarded to any council area in Northern Ireland.
The Foyle MLA added that while such funding was welcome, a long-term and strategic approach to improving regional economic imbalances is needed, enshrined in legislation.
Ms. McLaughlin said: “I welcome this funding and the intent from the Minister to address the decades of neglect and underinvestment that Derry has endured.
“It is welcome that he is starting to listen to those of us who have been advocating for specific interventions and positive discrimination here in the North West.
“Of course, while this funding is a step in the right direction, it is still a long way off from what is required to address the deep-rooted regional imbalance in Northern Ireland’s economy.
“Derry continues to have the lowest employment rate of any district in Northern Ireland and the highest rate of people with no qualifications.
“The funding announced by the Minister should be the start of a concerted effort to deliver the meaningful investment and economic transformation that this region so desperately needs.
“The people of Northern Ireland deserve a truly balanced economy, one in which everyone can go as far as their talents will take them.
“Alongside this funding, I remain convinced that only legislation will guarantee a fair future for all communities by ensuring that policies, strategies and plans take regional inequalities into account and all departments are mandated to align their approaches accordingly.
“Only this kind of ambition can fully address the systemic issues that hold this region back.
“I will continue to advocate for such an approach through my Private Member’s Bill, which remains open for consultation”.
