Swann disappointed by lack of Northern Ireland Enterprise Zones in Autumn statement

Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim, Robin Swann, has described the lack of Northern Ireland specific Enterprise Zones in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn statement, as a missed opportunity.

Mr Swann, who is Chair of Stormont’s Employment and Learning committee said:

“It is bitterly disappointing that, whilst the Chancellor announced a further 26 Enterprise Zones in his Autumn Statement, he failed to name one in Northern Ireland.

“I recently raised the matter in writing with both Prime Minister David Cameron and the Chancellor.

“In my letter, I urged both of them to specifically consider Ballymena in North Antrim as a location for an Enterprise Zone, given the recent economic blows which have hit the town with the announcements of job losses at both JTI and Michelin.

“These losses, coupled with past job losses involving Pattons, means that Ballymena urgently needs an economic boost and the creation of a designated Enterprise Zone would have been a first step.

“This is not a time for fancy speeches from either the Prime Minister or the Chancellor. Ballymena needs radical economic action, not meaningless rhetoric or empty promises.  Unfortunately the Autumn statement is a missed opportunity.”

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