East Antrim Forum delegates urged to keep up 'momentum'

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey has urged three local Councils not to "lose the momentum" gained at the recent East Antrim Forum.

Delegates, including the local MP, MLAs and councillors from Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Councils, trade unions and representatives from the business community, came together for the Forum to examine the problems arising from a spate of jobs losses in east Antrim.

Addressing the Forum, Sir Reg said: “Local people have been demoralised by bad news, and more bad news. It is imperative that Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey councils work together with Invest NI and other partners to try to develop common themes and a plan of action which will deliver results for the area.

“You will find us willing partners, keen to assist where we can, determined to produce results and committed, as far as possible, to cushioning the blow and steering East Antrim back to a path of prosperity."

The Minister added: “Prompt action, help when it is needed, encouragement and not criticism is what entrepreneurs need from government.

“I have asked Invest NI to re-examine the delivery of its services with a view to speeding up turnaround times for its appraisal of new projects. Its Board members, many of whom have built their own companies, have acknowledged that all too often the system is slow to react. They are therefore very keen to make changes in the way they offer support to local people and local companies with good ideas.”

The Minister said that his Department had been reviewing its approach to targeting social need, an announcement on which will be made within the next few weeks. However, he said that based on the current high levels of unemployment the boroughs of Carrickfergus and Larne, together with some wards within Newtownabbey, would be given a special status.

The Minister also announced that a new multi-million pound flexible business unit, the first in Northern Ireland, is to be built in Carrickfergus.

He said: “The concept is a simple one. The area needs quality, available workspace if it is to be promoted as a location for foreign direct investment. If this facility is successful, I would expect to see this building programme rolled out in other Council areas.”

(SP)