Dallat calls for investment

The MLA claims the area is still waiting on it's "slice of cake" after recent announcements of development in Omagh and Downpatrick. He says more emphasis needs to be given on locating investment into East Derry, which the MLA claims is one of the "worst affected constituencies" in the economic downturn.

Mr Dallat said; "The situation in Limavady is no better where again there has been a complete failure to encourage and stimulate economic proposals for the former army barracks at Ballykelly.

"Questions have been asked as to why this 900 acre site was not 'gifted' by the British government and more importantly why they were never approached by the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister to do so."

Mr Dallat continued: "It is not too late for the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment to encourage the production of a strategy and business plan which would be a catalyst for attracting interest from the private sector."

The SDLP man has also called for more encouragement from the Government to attract property owners to Dungiven.

"Again smaller towns such as Dungiven need more than a coat of paint. They need investment and here it is the duty of government to make available financial packages which would encourage property owners to make the investment necessary to kick-start the economies of those towns." said the assembly member.

"In a recent response to a question from me the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment did indicate that her government department may be available to participate in a special task force for the purpose of identifying possible ways forward for East Derry and I have again written to Mrs Foster asking her to begin the process where DETI can take a hands-on approach to a worsening situation which is impacting not only on individuals and families but on whole communities."