Councillor calls for breakdown of costs for Netherlands trade trip
A Councillor has made a call for scrutiny over a council’s finances on a New Year trade trip to the Netherlands.
The call comes after a report was brought to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s regeneration committee concerning a £3.5m funding package.
The European business network was initiated by LCCC 20 years ago, but had recently fallen foul of the pandemic, with the links now set to be reformed.
A council officer said: “In December 2024, the council approved the business case for the development of a new EU Trade Programme, focusing on export opportunities in the Netherlands.
“This programme would build on previous successes in fostering trade relationships through the NI-NL Forum and would provide a valuable platform for local businesses to expand their presence in the Dutch market.
“Delivery is planned to coincide with the proposed reactivation of the NI-NL (Northern Ireland – Netherlands) Forum.
“It is called a New Year’s Trade Dinner, but it is likely to take place at the end of March due to the time it will take on administration.”
The officer added: “Changes in Invest NI’s funding priorities, and the onset of the Pandemic, meant that the NI-NL initiative lost momentum and has been dormant over recent years.
“The Department for the Economy has indicated that the initiative would be eligible for part-funding as per the submitted three year Action Plan.
“The Local Economic Partnership Action Plan was agreed by the department on 15 December 2025, and confirmed in the letter of offer for £3.51 million for the period to the end of March 2028, which was subsequently received and accepted by the council.”
NI-NL was founded IN 2006 by Invest Northern Ireland Trade Division, LCCC and Northern Ireland Trade Consultants BV to encourage and stimulate export trade between Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.
Downshire East Alliance councillor Kurtis Dickson said: "It is good to see the re-establishing of this connection and that it will be cross-party members attending.
“I’d be happy to propose this, however, I would like the full costings of this brought back to committee.
“I would not feel confident voting for this without a report knowing the full costs.”
It was agreed that a financial report be brought back to the chamber.