'Much Awaited' Belfast City Deal Welcomed

Politicians across Northern Ireland have welcomed the "much awaited" City Deal for the Belfast region after it was approved by Secretary of State Karen Bradley.

The £350 million investment, the first of its kind for Northern Ireland, will see over 20 projects delivered with over 200,000 new and better jobs created, as well as increased productivity levels, more positive work in deprived communities and a balanced spread of benefits across the region.

Alliance councillor for north Belfast Nuala McAllister said the further funding from the private sector will bring the entire package to £1 billion.

She commented: "A City Deal is an amazing opportunity for not only Belfast but the wider greater Belfast area, taking in several Councils. It will bring investment, employment, regeneration, innovation and more.

"It is positive all parties on the Council backed this project, showing what can be achieved when working together for the common good. We can showcase Belfast as the open, welcoming city we know it to be. It is up to all of us to ensure it delivers for everyone.

"Alliance will also continue pushing for a Derry-Londonderry City Deal, having had the Chancellor previously mention a commitment to discussions on it. It is vital for the city and wider north-west to have it delivered as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon said the approved deal will boost the development of projects Northern Ireland.

"In 2015, the SDLP called for a Belfast City Deal to fund major infrastructure projects, drive innovation and support growth similar to City Deals agreed for England, Scotland and Wales," the north Belfast MLA explained.

"This City Deal will go a long way to creating jobs and changing our region's economic fortunes. The SDLP will be calling for the investment to be spread across the city as equitably and as fairly as possible to ensure there is an even balance of investment, particularly in deprived communities where there's a severe shortage of employment opportunities.

"The SDLP will continue to push for a City Deal for Derry, to ensure communities in the North West are treated fairly. Northern Ireland can only truly prosper if all parts of it are enabled to prosper."



(JG/CM)