SF Express Frustration At Delays For North-West City Deal

A Sinn Fein MP has met with UK Government officials to highlight growing frustration over delays to the City Deal for the north West region.

It comes after Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley signed the Heads of Terms for the Belfast City Deal, a major step forward for the UK Government investment of £350 million for the region.

Elisha McCallion, an MP for Foyle, has met with government ministers at Westminster in recent days to make it clear that people across L'Derry and in the wider north West are growing frustrated at the lack of progress on the deal.

"I made it clear in all of those meetings, including with the British Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, that the north west presented a united voice to call for a city deal as part of an inclusive growth strategy but that frustration is now growing," she explained.

"I reiterated to the ministers and officials that the British government now needs to announce funding for this deal as part of the strategic growth plan for the city and wider north west. 

"I will continue to keep the pressure on the British government, together with all of the stakeholders, to ensure funding for the city deal."

When approving the Belfast Deal, Ms Bradley offered assurances that she was engaging closely with the Chancellor to secure a financial announcement for the L'Derry City Deal.



(JG/CM)