Ulster Unionist Council Leaders have given their support to a Growth Deal covering the three council areas of Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon, Fermanagh & Omagh and Mid Ulster.
The Councils have already written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Local Government, Housing and Communities James Brokenshire MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley MP, the MP’s who represent the Council areas and the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service David Sterling, seeking an opportunity to investigate the city / growth deal concept for the mid, south and west region.
Councillor Julie Flaherty, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon said:
“Whilst there has been a great deal of publicity regarding bids for City Deals from Belfast Region and Londonderry, there has been less focus on the three councils covering the south and west of Northern Ireland and that is something the Ulster Unionist Party is keen to remedy.
“I know that ABC Council is ambitious for our economy and society and a Growth Deal addressing specific economic needs and aimed at boosting growth can only help us as we move forward. I believe that the combined efforts of the three council areas maximise our chances of success.”
Councillor Howard Thornton, Chair of Fermanagh & Omagh Council said:
“The three Councils represent over 25% of Northern Ireland’s population and collectively provide over 200,000 jobs. We are determined to ensure that we are not left behind and are keen to engage with government to explore how we can sustain economic growth over time and achieve a Growth Deal that delivers for all our people.”
Councillor Trevor Wilson, Ulster Unionist Group Leader on Mid Ulster Council said:
“All too often the west of the Province can be regarded as an after-thought by decision makers in Belfast or London. The three Councils have a combined population of 470,000 and this is growing, with three quarters of our jobs being in the private sector. The Ulster Unionist Party is determined to ensure that we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure the current and future prosperity of all our people.”