Menu
21/01/2010
DETI Slammed Over Broadband Hubs
A member of the Northern Ireland Assembly has said Newry has been badly treated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry in making decisions on high-speed broadband hubs for Project Kelvin
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley raised the issue in a special Adjournment Debate motion.
"The original map of the route of Project Kelvin published by Hibernia Atlantic showed that Newry had been bypassed by the cable while Dundalk, Castleblayney, Monaghan and Armagh were linked," said Mr Bradley.
"The business and commercial community in Newry were naturally extremely unhappy with this arrangement considering the fact that DETI had as recently as September 2006 that it would continue to target 30% of the Northern Ireland population by designating the six most deprived Council areas in Northern Ireland, together with the most disadvantaged areas of Belfast, as the focus for activities aimed at tackling poverty and social need.
"The six Council areas, selected by using the new data available from the 2005 Noble Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure, are Newry & Mourne, Strabane, Derry, Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon.
"The EQIA (Equality Impact Assessment) on Project Kelvin emphasised that areas designated as disadvantaged would be afforded priority status. In bypassing Newry, DETI ignored its own policies."
He continued: "There is huge public frustration in the Newry and Mourne area at the way in which DETI handled Project Kelvin.
"The same was true in Derry but the situation there has been rectified – that has not been the case with Newry. DETI has effectively washed its hands of the matter, insisting that it is now the responsibility of the private sector.
"When we compare levels of government investment in Newry to other comparable centres in the North we see very clearly that Newry has very much been under-invested in.
"We were used to that sort of treatment under the old Stormont but we certainly will not accept it under the present administration," he complained.
(NS/GK)
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley raised the issue in a special Adjournment Debate motion.
"The original map of the route of Project Kelvin published by Hibernia Atlantic showed that Newry had been bypassed by the cable while Dundalk, Castleblayney, Monaghan and Armagh were linked," said Mr Bradley.
"The business and commercial community in Newry were naturally extremely unhappy with this arrangement considering the fact that DETI had as recently as September 2006 that it would continue to target 30% of the Northern Ireland population by designating the six most deprived Council areas in Northern Ireland, together with the most disadvantaged areas of Belfast, as the focus for activities aimed at tackling poverty and social need.
"The six Council areas, selected by using the new data available from the 2005 Noble Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure, are Newry & Mourne, Strabane, Derry, Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon.
"The EQIA (Equality Impact Assessment) on Project Kelvin emphasised that areas designated as disadvantaged would be afforded priority status. In bypassing Newry, DETI ignored its own policies."
He continued: "There is huge public frustration in the Newry and Mourne area at the way in which DETI handled Project Kelvin.
"The same was true in Derry but the situation there has been rectified – that has not been the case with Newry. DETI has effectively washed its hands of the matter, insisting that it is now the responsibility of the private sector.
"When we compare levels of government investment in Newry to other comparable centres in the North we see very clearly that Newry has very much been under-invested in.
"We were used to that sort of treatment under the old Stormont but we certainly will not accept it under the present administration," he complained.
(NS/GK)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 January 2020
Emma Marmion Takes The Lead At Newry Chamber
Newry businesswoman Emma Marmion has been appointed as the new President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade. Managing Director of Prestige HR, Ms Marmion takes the reigns from Paul Convery following his two-year tenure. A native of the city, she is the third woman to take the role of President.
Emma Marmion Takes The Lead At Newry Chamber
Newry businesswoman Emma Marmion has been appointed as the new President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade. Managing Director of Prestige HR, Ms Marmion takes the reigns from Paul Convery following his two-year tenure. A native of the city, she is the third woman to take the role of President.
22 March 2024
Northern Ireland's Best Areas For Broadband Revealed
West Belfast has been named the Northern Ireland area with the best broadband, according to a new study. The experts at Getac – Rugged Computing Solutions analysed data from Ofcom Connected Nations 2023 to reveal the spots with the best broadband.
Northern Ireland's Best Areas For Broadband Revealed
West Belfast has been named the Northern Ireland area with the best broadband, according to a new study. The experts at Getac – Rugged Computing Solutions analysed data from Ofcom Connected Nations 2023 to reveal the spots with the best broadband.
06 May 2014
DETI Must Build On Giro d'Italia Legacy
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) has been urged to capitalise on the legacy of the Giro d'Italia, with Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan saying that "unless we build on this opportunity to promote the region, the boost to the local economy could be short term.
DETI Must Build On Giro d'Italia Legacy
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) has been urged to capitalise on the legacy of the Giro d'Italia, with Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan saying that "unless we build on this opportunity to promote the region, the boost to the local economy could be short term.
13 September 2019
Boost For Newry As Retailers Flock To The Buttercrane
Newry's retail offering is set for a boost with the opening of Lidl and Sports Direct at the Buttercrane Shopping Centre, subject to planning. The two companies will begin trading at the site in 2020 if all goes ahead, the Newry Chamber of Commerce has announced.
Boost For Newry As Retailers Flock To The Buttercrane
Newry's retail offering is set for a boost with the opening of Lidl and Sports Direct at the Buttercrane Shopping Centre, subject to planning. The two companies will begin trading at the site in 2020 if all goes ahead, the Newry Chamber of Commerce has announced.
07 January 2013
Invest NI Host 'Working For Me' Seminar
Invest Northern Ireland in partnership with Disability Action has hosted a Working for Me seminar to raise awareness of the support available to disabled people who want to set up a business.
Invest NI Host 'Working For Me' Seminar
Invest Northern Ireland in partnership with Disability Action has hosted a Working for Me seminar to raise awareness of the support available to disabled people who want to set up a business.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
