SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has raised serious concerns over the failure of the Executive Office to match the funding provided by the Irish Government to the North West Regional Development Fund.
Speaking after the Executive Office Committee, Ms McLaughlin pressed for an explanation as to why the Executive Office has not contributed its fair share to the vital cross-border initiative, which is designed to boost economic growth and infrastructure development in the region.
Ms. McLaughlin said: “The North West Regional Development Group plays a crucial role in enhancing opportunities, investment, and economic prosperity in our region.
“The Irish Government has stepped up and provided financial backing for this initiative, but the Executive Office has failed to match these contributions. People in Derry and the wider North West deserve to know why.
“We have repeatedly heard commitments from the Executive to promote regional balance and invest in areas that have long suffered from underdevelopment.
“Yet, when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is, we are left with silence and inaction.
“This is about fairness and ensuring that the North West gets the investment it needs and deserves.
“The people of this region cannot afford further delays, empty promises, and political excuses. The Executive Office must explain why it has not fulfilled its obligations, and more importantly, it must act to rectify this failure.”
“I have urged both the Committee for the Executive Office and the Committee for the Economy to write to the Executive Office for an explanation and I will continue to work to ensure the relative funding is secured.’’
