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Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has said the British Government must lift the pause immediately on the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals.
Speaking following a meeting with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, and the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, Dr Archibald said: “The Executive and indeed elected members from right across the Assembly Chamber are united in our message that the pause must be lifted immediately for the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals.
“Local government and Deal Partners have invested considerable time, effort, commitment and enthusiasm into their Deals, which will be a catalyst for economic growth and creating good jobs.
“I made clear to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury last night that there can be no disparity in treatment of the Deals and that these regions should not have to wait until the Spending Review for clarity.
“I am determined to continue engaging with the British Government to make the case on the importance of these Deals in delivering economic growth across the North.”
Earlier this week, the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Finance Minister welcomed the signing of the £290million Derry-Londonderry and Strabane Region City Deal.
Ministers described the signing of the financial deal as a significant milestone in bringing transformative changes and benefits to the region. However, they also reiterated their calls for the UK government to reverse its decision to pause their support for the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals until the Spending Review.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “This is a fantastic day for Derry and Strabane, as we sign off on a historic investment of over £290million to continue the transformation of this city, and to build a brighter future for all communities.
“This City Deal is a game-changer for the regeneration of this City and District, for creating better jobs, for education, tourism and helping to unleash the North West’s full economic potential.
“The British government must lift their pause on the other Growth Deals and ensure these financial investments continue as planned.”
Deputy First Minster Emma Little-Pengelly said: “The funding as part of this City Deal focuses on innovation, regeneration, tourism and renewal initiatives, with the potential to create 6,300 new jobs by 2033.
“Working in collaboration with our City Deal partners, we want this investment to deliver the projects that will have lasting impact and will create opportunities for further investment in the north west region.
“Although today’s signing is to be welcomed, we remain gravely concerned about the impact of the pause on the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals. These deals deliver vitally important opportunities for growth and we will continue to push the UK Government to lift the pause on them.”
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “I am delighted to sign the Derry City and Strabane District Council City Deal today which will be transformational for the North West.
“This major milestone represents a huge investment and is the outworking of our commitment to promote regional balance.
“Today’s signing is a huge milestone for all those involved and work can now begin to allow the funding to deliver real change for this City and District.
“While positive work can begin here, the pause must be lifted on the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid-South West Growth Deals. I will continue to press the British Government to honour their commitments made to these Deals which will bring hope and prosperity right across the North.”