Limavady MLA: ‘Stop sniping from the sidelines on the economy’

The East Londonderry MLA said that he and his party colleagues at Stormont were doing everything possible to try and improve the economy in Limavady amid difficult circumstances.

He said: “Firstly it is essential that we all realise that the world is going through a period of economic downturn that all areas are suffering. This is the basis on which all economic discussions have to be based rather than trying to score political points on this most serious of topics. “Criticism has been levelled at the DETI Minister Mrs Foster while those responsible for those criticisms do nothing but attack the Minister and have put forward nothing of any substance. Mrs Foster has given freely of her time and has held meetings with local business people in Stormont to try and facilitate support and expansion for their businesses. I commend the Minister for giving her valuable time to the progressive thinking business people of Limavady.

“It must also be noted that InvestNI has offered £4.6million pounds in East Londonderry securing investment of £23 million in the local economy and promoting almost 300 new jobs. The Jobs Fund is funding 17 schemes at present and there is the potential for 80 new jobs. This proves that the Executive are actively aiding East Londonderry and job creation within it.

“Remember, it is the people investing the money who decide where their investment will go not politicians or local businessmen. That is the hard cold truth and people have to accept the fact rather than sniping from the side-lines.

“Criticism has been made of Council by individuals who must not realise I have asked a few weeks ago that Council and the Chamber of Trade resume regular meetings so that all plans for the way forward can be discussed. I have also urged the appointment of an Economic Development Officer over quite a period. This would be of great benefit to the Limavady area and it’s native businesses.

“Shackleton Base has been handed to OFMdFM and I am proud of the fact that I was the first MLA to contact the previous DARD Minister seeking the DARD HQ to be re-located to Ballykelly, a contact that has proven to be beneficial. I am hopeful the move will bring accompanying employment with it. It is also possible that many people who currently travel to Belfast for Civil Services jobs will be hopefully able to transfer to the new HQ, releasing more money from wage packets to boost the local economy. As the DARD HQ will be the anchor tenant, I would be hopeful the site can be developed by a variety of other businesses. Any other projects which people have I would like to see and hopefully be able to support. The Council or the Executive cannot solely use this vast site which is capable of being the location of many, and varied, businesses projects.

“Leadership has been given by me, my council and Westminster colleagues and it is up to others to forget political agendas and work constructively and also give leadership for the benefit of all the people of the Borough.”

Mr Robinson concluded: “This is the only way that we can be assured of a better future for the Borough.”