‘City deal could make significant difference for Newry’ – Local MLA
SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty has given a cautious welcome to the announcement by the Chancellor Philip Hammond of a City Deal for the Belfast Region which includes Newry, Mourne and Down.
Speaking to Newry Times, McNulty explained, “The news of a City Deal for Belfast and this region is a good first step and has the potential to make a significant difference for the economy locally.
“It allows local decision makers to make decisions about issues which are local to them.
“It has proven to be successful in the UK and my own colleague Mark Durkan as MP for Foyle championed this initiative when others were scathing of such initiatives.
He continued, “City Deals allow Council, Central and Regional Government as well as Universities to come together and lead on investment projects or programmes.
“Whilst the commitment from the Treasury for £350million is welcome, this is £100million less than what was bid for, therefore a reprioritisation process is now inevitable.
“Whilst acknowledging Belfast is a key part of this bid, the projects included in the bid that are beyond the Outer Ring of Belfast are equally as important as those focusing just on Belfast City Centre.
“This is something I will be monitoring. I would like to wish all involved every success,” McNulty added.
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