Foyle MLA welcomes 'vote of confidence' as Lidl pledges £31m investment
Sinéad McLaughlin has called for urgent action to unlock planning delays
SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed a £31 million investment from Lidl that includes three new stores and more than 100 jobs for the North West region. The new outlets are planned for the Waterside and Creggan areas of Derry, as well as a further store proposed for Castlederg, and will create additional construction jobs.
McLaughlin described the investment as a "vote of confidence" in the region's economy and people. She emphasised the urgent need to address systemic delays within the planning system to ensure the projects move ahead swiftly.
Ms McLaughlin said: “This investment is a welcome boost for Derry and the wider North West. It signals confidence in our people and our local economy, and it will create much-needed jobs both during construction and once these stores open.
“To ensure this investment delivers for local communities as quickly as possible, we now need to unlock the delays in our planning system. When companies are ready to invest at this scale, the process must support, not hinder, progress. I will be working to ensure these projects move through planning at pace so families and workers can feel the benefits sooner.
“Derry cannot afford to lose momentum. The Executive and local councils must fix the systemic problems in planning that are slowing down growth. When businesses step forward with major investment, government must ensure the system keeps up.
“This investment is a positive step forward, and we must build on it. Alongside new retail jobs, which are vital for our economy, we also need to keep attracting a wider range of investment that creates sustained, well-paid career opportunities across different sectors. I will keep championing the North West to ensure we secure the mix of employment and economic growth that our city and region deserve.”