SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has warned that the North of Ireland is falling further behind on the establishment of Investment Zones, following Scotland’s announcement of Glasgow City Region and the North East as its two Investment Zone sites.
Investment Zones are designed to encourage investment and raise skill levels through economic incentives.
Each Scottish partnership area will benefit from overall funding of £80m.
Said the Foyle MLA: “As Scotland announces two Investment Zones in the Glasgow City Region and the North East of the country, it’s deeply frustrating that Northern Ireland is still no further ahead in securing our own Investment Zone sites.
“Each of these areas was selected because of an assessment of their economic need and potential.
“There is no doubt that any sensible similar assessment in Northern Ireland would recommend that the North West’s economy demands a similar Zone to be established in our region, with Derry as its capital.
“In our city, we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the economic incentives that Investment Zones offer, due in part to our existing research strengths in priority sectors as well as the competitive advantage offered by the Windsor Framework.
“If, as the British Government has indicated today, this is an example of what can be achieved when there is a focus on delivering economic growth, then the lack of progress here in the North can be seen as an indictment of the consequence of political failure, neglect and boycott politics.
“We can’t afford to keep falling behind if we are to properly deal with our stubbornly high levels of economic inactivity, low productivity and stagnant employment.
“The DUP must end their boycott and allow progress to be made on this, and so many other issues.”
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