23/05/2002

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)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 October 2016
Warning Signs To Be Installed To Prevent Use Of Scramblers
Warning signs are to be installed across west Belfast to warn against the use of off-road vehicles being used in parks and public spaces. Police will also patrol hotspot areas to disrupt the dangerous, illegal activity and identify the people involved. The scheme has been launched by the West Belfast DPCSP and the PSNI.
20 February 2003
UDA bomb move 'not an act of decommissioning'
Police last night discovered 18 pipe bombs on playing fields at Somerdale Park in the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast. The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) claimed it left the devices in the playing fields "as part of the ongoing steps to stabilise and normalise loyalist west Belfast".
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
17 August 2021
BCC Leader Questions Funding Of West Belfast Festival Over 'Pro-IRA Singing'
The DUP leader of Belfast City Council has questioned the funding of West Belfast Festival over alleged "pro-IRA singing" at one of their events. Councillor Ald Brian Kingston raised the issued after it was alleged that the crowed at a concert at the Festival chanted "ooh ah up the Ra".
07 May 2015
Police Use Of Tasers Was 'Lawful' And 'Necessary' - Report
Ten incidents in which police fired Tasers between July 2012 and June last year were "justified", a Police Ombudsman report has concluded. Dr Michael Maguire found that the use of Taser had on each occasion been lawful, proportionate and necessary given the risks faced by officers and the danger posed to members of the public.