Derry Regeneration Forum requests urgent meeting with Murphy

Members of the Derry City’s Civic Regeneration Forum have requested an urgent meeting with Secretary of State, Paul Murphy to confirm government actions for immediate economic intervention for Derry and the North West.

Speaking after this morning’s meeting Mayor, Cllr Shaun Gallagher said that members had voiced their frustration and anger with delays in the delivery of commitments given by Economy Minister, Ian Pearson over six months ago. This, he said, included the lack of progress with the Invest NI North West Action Plan and the creation of a one-stop-shop for business development.

“The response from government to the recent announcement of job losses was totally inadequate," Mr Gallagher said.

"This proposed meeting with the Secretary of State, senior representatives of DETI and Invest NI will seek reassurance that Derry and the North West will receive the priority investment and commitment that it urgently requires”.

Members also expressed a need for an integrated response to supporting the Desmond workers and their families at this time and have called on those agencies involved to show commitment to retraining of the workforce.

“Our immediate concern is to ensure that the needs of workers are addressed and we want to support this effort by directing government to finding employment and investment solutions for the region.

"Local civic and business representatives have shown maturity in their approach and we need Government to show an urgent commitment to focus their attention on delivering investment and employment results," the SDLP councillor added.

Today's meeting followed Wednesday's news that Desmonds & Sons is to close its remaining factories in the North West.

Almost 300 people will lose their jobs once the factories close.

(MB)