Limavady needs an ‘enterprise culture’ say council

Limavady Borough Council has been asked for their views on an ‘Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme’ being readied by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Limavady’s response to the document, in draft form, reveals the local council’s views on rebuilding the local economy.

‘Growth and Jobs’ are evidently much needed in the Limavady area, as the announcement of 30 redundancies at a major building firm last week makes clear.

A meeting of the ‘development committee’ was scheduled to take place at Limavady’s council offices last night. A report presented to councillors ahead of the scheduled meeting contained Limavady’s response to the consultation on the ‘Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme’.

One point made in the response read: “Areas such as Limavady which lag behind must be able to develop their existing businesses and promote entrepreneurship. As an area which has lost several large employers over the past twenty years, there is a need to develop more of an enterprise culture within the borough.”

The ‘Growth and Jobs Programme’ being readied by the Department of Enterprise focusses on three key themes: Strengthening Research, Technological Development and Innovation ; Enhancing the Competitiveness of SMEs by improving access to finance; Supporting the shift towards a Low-Carbon Economy.

Limavady Borough Council’s response made clear their wish to see funds equitably distributed throughout Northern Ireland: “While the additional focus on the research and development aspect of the programme is welcome, this funding will only be successful if the roots to succeed are planted in areas beyond the usual centres.”

Broadband infrastructure and ‘power delivery’

The local council also highlighted the need for improved broadband infrastructure in the area as being key to local ‘growth and jobs’, as well as the need for ‘power distribution’ to take advantage of the well-developed renewable energy resources in the Roe Valley area. The response read: “While not all areas in Northern Ireland will benefit from the themes, there is a need to extend broadband deployment and high speed networks across the region. Limavady has suffered in the past from a lack of availability of these. It is imperative that the facility of easy access to high speed networks is put in place to allow the development of related businesses, and the survival of existing businesses.” It adds: “In terms of the low carbon economy, Limavady is well placed to take advantage of the development of power distribution. The area is well served with renewable sources of energy – however it is recognised the potential for distribution services is not being fully exploited.”