SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said the status quo is not delivering for people in Derry and Strabane.
He was speaking following NISRA’s publication of new Census figures showing Derry City & Strabane had the highest percentage of adults who were unemployed (3.7%).
Mr Eastwood called for greater cross-border cooperation to maximise the potential of the North-West region.
Said the Foyle MP: “It’s extremely disheartening that every time we see these figures Derry and Strabane regularly ranks at the bottom when it comes to employment.
“This place and its people have so much to offer and we have proven time and time again when it comes to talent and achievements that we punch well above our weight in everything ranging from sports and the arts to science and engineering.
“Despite our potential we have regularly suffered from a lack of investment and neglect from successive Stormont and Westminster governments who fail to give us our fair share.
“That we have made such progress despite this and that we can still be so positive about what the future holds is a credit to this place and our people.
“I believe that to truly address the issues we are experiencing then we need to see greater cross-border cooperation that recognises the shared challenges we face and makes the most of the opportunities that come our way.
“Parts of Derry, Donegal and Tyrone all experience difficulties, but together we could deliver so much more than what people are getting right now.
“Ultimately our ambition must be to build a New Ireland that truly delivers for people here.
“We need to see significant investment in this part of our island, in education, skills and a properly resourced university that can serve the entire region.
“The SDLP will keep advocating for the investment needed to transform the North West, delivering jobs and developing our economy so that everyone can benefit.”
