LOCAL politicians want to forge a closer working relationship with Invest NI in a bid to attract more investment to the district.
They also want Down Council to start work on a new economic development strategy in a bid to attract much-needed jobs to the area.
Politicians are also keen that local authority economic development staff spend time with Invest NI officials to get an insight into their role and the work that goes on in a bid to attract inward investment.
Last week, Invest NI’s chief executive Alastair Hamilton addressed Down Council’s Cultural and Economic Development Committee, and politicians called for both organisations to start working together on the crucial issue of securing new jobs for the district.
Mr. Hamilton said Invest NI is not “comfortable or happy” about the level of foreign direct investment in the district in the past, explaining the organisation does not force potential investors to choose specific locations to set up new businesses.
He explained Invest NI’s role is to present companies with information it has about areas across Northern Ireland, making it clear no investor is “forced to go one way or the other.”
Mr. Hamilton said if Down Council works up a new economic development strategy, highlighting the area’s strengths and its potential to attract back office or banking sector jobs for example, he would pass this to Invest NI’s international team responsible for targeting potential foreign direct investment.
“We need to work together to make this happen,” he continued. “You know your area best and developing an integrated economic development plan is important moving forward. I am more than happy for Invest NI to work with you on this and build an economic development plan for the region. We are also happy to work with local enterprise agencies,” said Mr. Hamilton.
Councillor Anne McAleenan said it’s essential Down Council works closely with Invest NI to help secure new jobs for the area and highlighted the need for the local authority to address issues in its economic development department.
“There is no director in charge and our senior economic development officer has left the organisation. I believe there may be opportunities for Down Council to work more closely with the Down Business Centre to deliver a range of programmes which can create more employment opportunities for our district,” she added.
Councillor Dermot Curran said closer collaboration between Down Council and Invest NI is vital moving forward, while councillor Patsy Toman argued the district’s tourism offering provides potential for new job opportunities.
Councillor Willie Clarke said the lack of foreign direct investment into the district over recent years has been poor and needs to be put right, suggesting the agri-foods and tourism sectors offer potential for new job opportunities.
Councillor John Doris said Down Council and Invest NI need to work together to “spread the district’s message further afield.” He said while there have been economic development plans produced in the past, they “did not produce the goods.”
He added: “We need our economic officials to spend time with the team at Invest NI so they can learn how to sell our district. This is something we have not been doing well.”