Deputation meets ministers over West Belfast Taskforce report

Trade Minister Sir Reg Empey and the Minister for Employment and Learning Carmel Hanna have met a deputation led by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to discuss the findings of the West Belfast Taskforce Report.

Speaking after the meeting, Sir Reg said: “The deputation outlined its priorities within the report’s recommendations. I realise that there is high expectation in the community as a whole on delivery, and it is important not to lose people’s enthusiasm and momentum."

He continued: “I was, however, able to update the deputation on the Master Planning exercise for the remodelling of the former Mackie site, which is central to the development arc proposed for west Belfast and an important catalyst for future job creation."

The minister said that work was ongoing to draw together a co-ordinated response by the executive to the report before the end of June. In the interim, it was suggested that the Belfast City Council’s Enterprise Week on May 27 could be used as an opportunity for west Belfast to be promoted as an area for enterprise development.

Employment minister Carmel Hanna also stressed the need for government departments, agencies and other interested parties to work "closely together" for the long-term success for the area.

Invest Northern Ireland is also said to be in discussion with the West Belfast Enterprise Agencies to provide an enterprise campaign throughout the area over the next few years.

(GMcG)