SDLP Welcomes New L'Derry Jobs Announcement

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed the creation of almost 200 jobs in L'Derry by manufacturing firm Vertiv.

The firm is creating the jobs with support from Invest NI for some of the roles.

Following the jobs announcement, Mr Eastwood said: "This announcement by Vertiv of almost 200 new jobs for Derry is hugely welcome and creates a range of opportunities for people in our city to obtain skilled and well-paid work in a growing company. I was delighted to be in attendance at the announcement today and to discuss the company's plans for the future and their place in our city.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the work of Phillip O'Doherty who through his stewardship of E&I Engineering and now with Vertiv has created so much opportunity in our city and region. His entrepreneurship has brought significant investment to Derry and his continued commitment to the area is driving positive change for people here.

"I also recognise the important role played by Invest NI in supporting the creation of these jobs. The SDLP has long been calling for the company to drive investment towards the most deprived parts of the North and to implement sub-regional targets to ensure that every area receives its share of funding. I hope that we will continue to see them work positively with companies in the North West following the recent overhaul of the organisation.

"This latest positive jobs announcement for our city shows that we are developing a reputation as a place of significant opportunity, where companies will be warmly welcomed and have access to a skilled and committed workforce. I will continue to do everything I can to work with companies to attract the investment that is so important to improving our local economy and addressing the long-term issues that exist here."

UUP Calls For Immediate Action Following 'Devastating Floods'

The Ulster Unionist Party has called immediate action to support households and businesses affected by flooding across NI.

UUP infrastructure Spokesperson, John Stewart MLA, joined with his party colleague from the worst affected Council area, Cllr. David Taylor from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, in a response to the havoc of recent days.

Mr. Stewart said: "The scenes we have witnessed in recent days have been unbelievable. For areas to have seen three inches of rain fall in a 24-hour period is totally unprecedented.

"The damage caused to homes and businesses across Northern Ireland could, in the worst cases, take months to repair. In the meantime, the loss of income to businesses and financial burden placed on all those affected needs to be addressed as an urgent matter by both local councils, relevant departments and, in light of the lack of a functioning Assembly, the Secretary of State.

"There is an urgent need for the Department for Infrastructure to undertake a review of the flood defence measures across all areas impacted, particularly in those areas, such as Newry, that were so badly damaged.

"I would hope that all relevant departments are working together to present a cross-departmental strategy on dealing with worsening flooding to be considered as a priority for any incoming Executive.

"Having a functioning Assembly and Executive at this time would have allowed for the provision of emergency support programmes to be created and delivered, providing much needed help to those who have lost everything."

Councillor Taylor added: "The impact of the flooding across the council area is devastating for many businesses and homes.  The priority must be to offer them practical support at this difficult time.

"UK Government and local Departments need to provide financial support measures to local businesses, residents and community and voluntary organisations who have been impacted by flooding. A lack of an Executive must not allow the delivery of such support to be hindered in any way

"I want to offer my sincerest Thanks to all those within statutory agencies and the local community who have been working around the clock to respond to the flooding crisis."

SDLP Welcomes Progress On Accommodation For Parents Of Sick Children

The SDLP has welcomed progress on securing overnight accommodation for parents of sick children travelling for specialist medical treatment in Northern Ireland.

After meeting with Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMDHC) UK CEO, Ella Joseph, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan's proposals for a home in the North has received support from the Department of Health.

The Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) have agreed to engage with the charity around the development of provision near the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Mr Durkan has also secured a review into the expansion of the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme to include parents of sick or seriously ill children.

The Foyle MLA said: "I'm pleased that my proposal for a Ronald McDonald House Charity home has received support and been met with enthusiasm from the charity itself, who are keen to provide much needed support for families with sick children in Northern Ireland.

"The facility would provide overnight accommodation for children and families attending hospital for appointments and specialist treatment. I've heard personal testimony from many parents of sick children about the huge additional challenges they face in terms of travelling for healthcare. For any parent, the prospect of their child being unwell or requiring a hospital stay is worrying in itself, yet many parents of children with long-term health conditions are under additional pressures. The hidden costs associated with travelling for appointments or overnight stays are pushing these families into financial distress and in many cases debt.

"It's not good enough that families going through the most difficult time in their lives are not being properly supported. It is the duty of policymakers to alleviate some of that pressure where possible. I'm hopeful that RMDHC, SPPG and the BHSCT can work together in the absence of an executive to secure a Ronald McDonald House for the North. Arrangements will explore the possibility of regenerating disused wards or other Trust-owned buildings to provide necessary accommodation for these families. This initiative is well-established and one which has flourished elsewhere in the UK, acting as a lifeline to over 60,000 families. These homes have provided refuge and respite to so many parents and carers - essentially giving families one less thing to worry about at an otherwise harrowing time.

"The department has also recommitted to a review of the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme to include parents of sick children as well as further amendments to support people on low incomes with the costs of healthcare. Unfortunately, that hard-won review has been hindered by the absence of Stormont. I'll continue to do my bit to ensure families of sick children are adequately supported and able to focus on the wellbeing of their child rather than worrying about how they will afford the associated costs."