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Calls for special economic status for Derry rejected
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
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Unionist Assembly members have rejected a call for the North West to be named an area of “special economic need” to help overcome what republicans said was “decades of deprivation”.
The Assembly heard that areas of Derry city centre had some of the worst unemployment statistics in Europe, while poor investment meant Northern Ireland's second city is 55 miles from the nearest motorway.
Sinn Fein tabled a motion proposing special support and claimed that a vibrant North West would help lift the wider economy.
But the unionist parties succeeded in defeating the motion after they argued against singling-out one area for special help in the face of the current economic downturn.
A catalogue of statistics reported to MLAs yesterday said Derry city had the highest rate of unemployment in Northern Ireland, the highest percentage of people living in deprived areas, one of the highest rates of child poverty, while the level of business creation was among the lowest.
Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson said: “Investment is key in terms of infrastructure. The level of unemployment and those economically inactive are the highest in the North and, in some (Derry City) wards, the highest in Europe.”
The Foyle MLA said a 2003 report by Derry City Council won cross-party support when it called for moves to boost the region's university and to transfer public sector jobs from Belfast to Londonderry.
But Ms Anderson said this had failed to happen and she pointed to a recent Oxford University report on the economic downturn that showed Derry city would suffer faster decline in employment than anywhere else in Northern Ireland over the next two years.
“So none of this is about Derry 'whinging',” she said. “But neither is it about Derry versus Belfast. The fact is that a vibrant North West and a vibrant Derry is good for the economy as a whole.”
East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell said he had attacked Invest Northern Ireland in the past and had branded it “Invest Greater Belfast”, but he predicted it would consider the North West more often in the future.
Mr Campbell also said the current economic downturn had caused major difficulties across Northern Ireland.
He said: “The issue isn't one of saying we don't agree with identifying areas of high unemployment — I think we should do that.
“The problem I see with the motion is that if it were to be passed, would members from (other parts of Northern Ireland) say their area should be targeted?”
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Cheers Ray. Its just a shame theres such an inherent bias from other folk in NI against the city, the vast majority of whom have never been near the place.... but still they are experts!
Posted by Reality Check | 05.11.09, 17:31 GMT
great letters reality check derry is by far the friendlist people in ireland good luck derry
Posted by ray usa | 05.11.09, 15:37 GMT
Stephen - you still haven't answered why Belfast and the rest of NI should continue to be paid for by you and your mates in London? Certain bias there? Happy to pay for Belfast but not Derry? Your logic dictates that the massive parasite that is Northern Ireland shouldnt be supported anymore. What about Scotland which takes more UK taxes than it contributes? So you're fed up, eh? Well Derry folk are fed up with being constantly overlooked for government money in roads, railways, University of Ulster, etc. while millions is poured into the Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, Odessy Arena, Windsor Park, etc.
The fact is you need to speculate to accumulate. If the NIE made an effort to improve infrastructure links and encourage investors to the northwest, Derry would be more attractive for companies and become a net contributor to the economy. But that would make sense, something thats severly lacking in Northern Ireland - something your comments only prove!
Posted by Reality Check | 05.11.09, 09:42 GMT
Reality Check - I moved to England years ago. I live just outside London, the bit of the UK that pays for a good part of the rest of it.
The fact that the the Derry population has grown is down to the billions tipped into the place over the years to feed that growing population. It is right for this same population to continue to bite the hand that has not only fed it but kept it alive.
I along with many thousands of others are fed up with the situation. As for giving away Derry for free, the ROI couldn't keep the place going for a whole year and even if it came with a billion pound dowry it would still be a lousy deal for them.
Why can't people see the facts that stand. They cannot be argued away no matter how unpleasant they may sound.
Posted by Stephen Millar | 04.11.09, 17:16 GMT
Your having a laugh Stephen - bet you live in greater Belfast! First off, Derry has an airport & port which would be much more successful if the government would bother to connect adequate roads & rail links to them, ie. do its job! I suppose you'd apply the same logic to Armagh, Coleraine, Portadown and Omagh because you'd rather have all investment in Belfast. I know, lets only have capital cities and nothing else! Lets pile all 2 million people into Belfast! As if traffic there isn't bad enough.
I have news for you - without GB taxpayer handouts, Belfast and the entire country would have dissapeared decades ago. It is still being propped up by massive public subsidies from the mainland. It was always the wish of successive, unionist dominated governments to see Derry fade away but its population has grown and continues to. Sorry to disappoint you but the city isn't going anywhere and will be here to annoy you far into the distant future!
Harsh fact i'm afraid!
Posted by Reality Check | 04.11.09, 14:07 GMT
Stephen Millar - why would NI give away an entire city to ROI for free? Your comment is probably one of the most illinformed I have ever seen on this website and that is saying something. Getting back to sensible discussion(of sorts) I see Gregory Campbell voted against the motion - even though he is supposed to represent the people of Londonderry first NI second!! Answer that one Gregory Campbell!!
Posted by Andrew | 04.11.09, 13:50 GMT
Maybe Ms Anderson & Sinn Fein have lot to do with the state of Derry today! Thought she might be wary of asking the government to invest, though, look what happened the last time there was British Investment in Derry or is it Londonderry or could it be Dublinderry?
Posted by PCB | 04.11.09, 12:32 GMT
It is harsh to say this but Derry is in the wrong location for the modern world. It is miles from main transport hubs and ports and it makes little sense to try to prop it up.
It will wither away over time and economic activity should be concentrated on Belfast. Belfast has massive needs for regeneration and employment.
Without the GB taxpayer and handouts, Derry would have disappeared decades ago. People would vote with their feet and leave. Hunger is a great motivator. Maybe the ROI would like it!
Before people get excited and angry, this happens all the time in the modern world - harsh fact of life I am afraid.
Posted by Stephen Millar | 04.11.09, 10:23 GMT