SDLP Opposition Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the publication of the Sub Regional Economic Action Plan.
The Department for the Economy plan prioritises regional balance through setting regional targets for Invest NI.
The Foyle MLA has long campaigned for the Economy Minister to address the way Invest NI operates.
Said Ms McLaughlin: “The publication of the Sub Regional Action Plan is welcome and represents another step towards properly tackling decades of underinvestment in the North West and other parts of the North.
“Since entering politics, I have campaigned relentlessly for the department’s approach to regional balance to be locally led with greater investment in local partnerships.
“The issue of regional balance is one which requires a joined-up approach across government and I am glad the Minister has finally woken up to this fact.
“Generations of neglect has left the North West with a plethora of issues which will require serious interventions if we are to realise the potential of this part of our island.
“It is disappointing the Minister did not make a clear indication that Derry requires specific investment opportunities to help further the strive for regional balance.
“The Minister’s decision to set a bottom – line target for Invest NI to ensure that 65% of its agency’s investment is outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area is an important step which must be reflected in all government departments.
“For too long, the work of Invest NI has not adequately reflected the make-up of Northern Ireland with areas west of the Bann being left behind.
“We will await with interest Invest NI’s publication of their targets and how they believe balance can be delivered.
“Now is the opportunity for the Minister to support my proposal for legislation that would place binding obligations across government for regional economic balance.
“This can only be done through the introduction of legislation which sets binding obligations which each department must follow and if the Minister is serious about this then he should publicly back my Bill.”
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