The First Minister, deputy First Minister and Finance Minister met with Mid South West (MSW) Region partners today on what should have been a pivotal occasion for their Growth Deal, and issued a strong appeal to the UK Government to honour its commitment.
Representatives from Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, and Mid Ulster District Council, along with the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government, were scheduled to sign the Heads of Terms Agreement for the Mid South West Region Growth Deal earlier today.
However, the UK Government’s decision to pause its planned £126 million contribution, pending the outcome of its Spending Review, meant the signing of this significant stage of the investment plan could not proceed as planned.
In response, the councils and Deal Partners involved seized the opportunity to meet with Executive Ministers, updating them on their campaign and discussing the projects that the Executive will continue to support following confirmation that £126 million in capital funding for projects including the Ulster American Folk Park, Armagh Gaol, A29 Cookstown Bypass as well as additional funding for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass is secure.
The UK Government’s postponement of its £126 million contribution is stalling progress on other key initiatives designed to drive innovation, green growth, and economic development across the MSW region.
At the event, MSW Region Deal partners reiterated their urgent plea to the UK Government to lift the pause and proceed with the Growth Deal.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The Mid South West Growth deal will be a game changer. It will be a catalyst for economic growth and will create good jobs. It needs to go ahead as planned.
“We have raised this issue directly with the British Prime Minister and told him that the decision was unacceptable. The British Government must stand by their commitment.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Today was an opportunity to get an update on the range of projects that are proceeding as planned and to see the positive impact they will have. However, it was also a reminder that the pause and continued uncertainty around funding is having a serious impact on other key initiatives, all of which would make such a difference in the Mid South West area.
“We have spoken to the Prime Minister and other UK Government representatives about the need to lift the pause and will continue to apply pressure as we approach the Spending Review.”
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “While I welcome the opportunity to be in Dungannon to be updated on the campaign to lift the pause on the Mid South West Growth Deal I would have preferred to be putting pen to paper and signing the Head of Terms today. The signing of that document would have helped in addressing regional imbalance and represented the next step in bringing much-needed investment into the area. There should be no disparity between any of our City and Growth Deals and I again call for the pause on the Causeway Coast & Glens and Mid South West Deals to be lifted.”
Kevin Savage, Chair of the MSW Governance Steering Group, said: “We are grateful to the First Minister and deputy First Minister for coming to Dungannon today to show their support for investment in this region. We also welcomed the Finance Minister who has been working closely with us to save our Growth Deal and we extend our thanks for her ongoing commitment. The Northern Ireland Executive’s continued backing allows us to move forward with key infrastructure, regeneration and tourism projects.
“Our Growth Deal represents a vital opportunity to build on the entrepreneurial spirit of our region by promoting digitisation and innovation in the agri-food, manufacturing, and engineering sectors. Government support for green energy and decarbonisation is essential in transforming our industries as they adapt to climate change.
“This deal is critical to delivering on the NI Executive’s new plan to boost regional economic performance, as well as the UK Government’s clear priority for economic growth. Further delays will threaten the achievement of both UK and NI growth targets.
“We gather today to say to the UK Government: today was a missed opportunity, but the chance to invest and grow our region still exists. We urge you to lift the pause and recommit to supporting us now.”
