SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
The action plans follows a review into Invest NI following sustained calls by Ms McLaughlin and SDLP colleagues.
Ms McLaughlin said more detail is needed on how the actions will deliver specific and targeted interventions for the areas that need it most.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I was proud to help secure the recent independent review into Invest NI, which revealed the scale of failure and recommended profound change for the organisation.
“This action plan is a chance for Invest NI to show that it is not only fit for purpose but will genuinely rebalance investment across our region, especially in the North-West and other areas that have suffered decades of neglect.
“I note the progress made across several areas in the plan, including the establishment of a new Green Economy Division and the transfer of tourism support functions to Tourism NI.
“I am particularly pleased that Invest NI has committed to the introduction of sub-regional targets, something that I have lobbied the organisation to introduce since becoming an MLA.
“It is also welcome that the regional offices of Invest NI will now perform a more strategic role going forward.
“However, I am deeply concerned by the almost complete lack of any specific mention of the North-West in this plan and feel that the actions detailed would fall short of the change that is needed to restore the confidence of the people here.
“It is not enough to include Derry as simply one of the sub-regions of the North.
“We are this region’s second city and we need specific and targeted interventions that are commensurate with that status.
“I will be writing to the department to urge explicit commitments to be made going forward, including specific and ambitious targets for Derry, as well as a decentralisation of senior staff to our city.
“Although Invest NI’s role is vital, the next Minister for the Economy must also assume strong accountability for setting the conditions that are necessary for Invest NI to succeed at attracting jobs and investment to Derry.
“This must include reversing the economic neglect of our city, most notably when it comes to our higher education provision by expanding university places here to at least 10,000 as secured by the SDLP during the New Decade, New Approach negotiations.”
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