Finn encourages Newry residents to have their say on regional balance
SDLP Newry Councillor Doire Finn has said the new SDLP Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill is an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North.
She encouraged local residents and businesses to have their say on the Bill’s consultation, which is available online and will close on Sunday, February 16.
Cllr. Finn said: "For decades, towns and cities in Northern Ireland have been left behind and government strategies, policies and plans have turned a blind eye to poverty and deprivation in our communities. Government neglect has seen too many people left behind for far too long and we must see a change of approach that ends the disparities in the living standards between people.
"Since the Assembly was restored, we have seen a lot of warm words in strategies, particularly from the Minister for the Economy. Yet there has been precious little evidence so far of a change in thinking throughout government, including in those departments where the quality of provision is directly tied to geography, such as the Departments of Health and Education.
"The SDLP is convinced that legislation is needed to rebalance our economy and establish regional economic balance as a thread that runs throughout government decision-making in every department. That will only be achieved through binding obligations on all departments and proper monitoring and enforcement procedures so no Executive can be let off the hook for failing to deliver for those places that have been left behind.
"This consultation is an importance chance for businesses and individuals to have their say on regional economic balance. I would encourage everyone in Newry, Mourne and Down to fill it out and contribute so that we can break down barriers to opportunity and give everyone a fair chance to prosper by levelling the playing field once and for all."