Derry constituencies among lowest for Invest NI job creation

Two of County Derry's three constituencies are among the lowest ranked for Invest NI jobs creation in Northern Ireland, data has revealed.

In response to a question from SDLP MLA for Foyle, Sinéad McLaughlin, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons provided details of jobs created by the development agency in 2020 and the early part of 2021.

East Derry ranked lowest of the county's three constituencies, with just 115 jobs created during the 15-month period, ranking it 15th out of Northern Ireland's 18 constituencies.

Foyle, home to the second largest city within the jurisdiction, ranked just 12th overall with 164 jobs, and 15th for jobs created in early 2021 (18).

Ms McLaughlin expressed 'serious concern' at the lack of regional balance in the job creation statistics.

“I have repeatedly expressed my serious concern and unhappiness at the distribution of jobs created with the support of Invest NI,” she said.

Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin

“These latest figures demonstrate the level of distortion in the North's economy. There is no sign that Invest NI is trying to distribute jobs to where they are most needed.

“For Foyle to have such a low job creation figure in 2020 when it repeatedly has the highest statistics for unemployment and economic inactivity is both scandalous and unacceptable.”

Mayor warns councillor over 'Fenian' comment

An independent councillor was asked to 'moderate' his language.

East Derry MLA Claire Sugden said the area should be highly desirable for new and expanding businesses and industries.

“The lack of job creation in my own constituency is seriously disappointing, but sadly unsurprising,” she said.

“Limavady, for instance, was a thriving industrial town with busy factories not so long ago.

“While this has been lost, Invest NI and the Executive should be looking at how trends like this can be reversed and industry brought back to this area.

East Derry's Claire Sugden.

“It may take only relatively minor investment – but this must also be backed up with sincere political will.

“It is not just fairer to spread investment and opportunities beyond Belfast – it also makes sense in the long run. This has been fought for over many years, yet the trend continues to be seen.

“The only two constituencies with lower job creation than East Londonderry both border Belfast, where many constituents are presumably able to more easily access opportunities in the city.

“Invest NI is one resource through which the Executive can directly affect investment and job creation in the places currently less well supported. This must be taken advantage of so that all areas benefit.”

The largest constituency that falls within the county boundaries – Mid Ulster – saw 294 jobs created overall during the reporting period, ranking it 3rd behind South Down and Belfast South.

MLA for the area, Emma Sheerin, said she welcomed the development in Mid Ulster.

“I'm delighted to see that progress has been made in the number of jobs created and supported by Invest NI in Mid Ulster, an area which has y been neglected,” she said.

Emma Sheerin welcomed the statistics in Mid Ulster.

We have a thriving private sector, with a huge number of indigenous engineering, construction and agri-food businesses, all of whom must be supported to create secure and well-paying jobs for our citizens.

“I welcome this development and will continue to work with our local businesses who continue to face challenges because of Brexit and the rising cost of materials and energy.”

'I don't know how we're going to get through this year' says Co Derry mum

The mother-of-three says the government's two-child limit on benefits has an impact.