One of the reasons Coleraine is continuing to suffer from under investment in manufacturing and industry is because of the continuing suspension of the Assembly, Ulster Unionist MLA David McClarty has claimed.

Expressing his regret at the impending loss of 70 jobs at the Farm Fed chicken processing plant which was announced last week, Mr McClarty, a former member of the Assembly’s Trade and Investment Committee, said the suspension of the Stormont administration had greatly reduced the drive for inward investment.

“Farm Fed is a key employer in Coleraine, a town where the industrial base has been eroded considerably over the past two decades,” he said.

“When the Assembly was in sitting, we were making considerable progress in selling Northern Ireland to the world as having good investment potential.

“But since suspension there has not been the same focus under Direct Rule and I believe the impetus has been stifled.

“This sad news from Farm Fed serves as a warning that there must be a reawakening on all sides to tackle the problem of job creation in the area.”

It was revealed last Friday that around 70 jobs are to go at the Farm Fed processing plant in the Co Antrim town.

Management at the firm said they were trying to attract new orders and were looking at increasing some orders already on the books in order to stave off cuts.

However, the Transport and General Workers Union has said it is concerned not only about the jobs losses and but also about the future of the remaining staff.

(MB)