Report paints a poor picture of Down

Report paints a poor picture of Down

WE need to start over? That was the stark message from Down Council’s Chief Executive this week as a new economic study suggested little progress had been made in developing the district over the past 20 years.

John Dumigan’s call for a new economic development strategy, and an acknowledgement that “we need to do something different”, was a surprise reaction to the new report which was presented to councillors this week.

The report, by economist Maureen O’Reilly, paints Down District as an area with historical under-investment which is being hit especially hard by the current recession.

Among the problems facing the district are a long-term lack of foreign investment, poor infrastructure and a business base that has been contracting faster than the Northern Ireland average.

The performance of Invest Northern Ireland also came under scrutiny with the study revealing Down District has the lowest level of Invest NI assistance per head of population than any other council in the Province.

“The foreign investment (FDI) record over the last five years has been poor,” said Ms. O’Reilly delivering her findings. “There has been just one offer of assistance to an FDI company in Down over the last five years.”

Describing the district as one where earnings were considerably below the Northern Ireland average, she pointed out that average house prices were relatively high, the percentage of affordable housing was below the Northern Ireland average, the average rates bill was higher and burglary rates were high.

Tourism, the one area in which Down District should be excelling, is also being under exploited she suggested, with fewer people visiting the Mournes compared to the other major tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.

Among the positives of the district are its “highly educated workforce”, strong population growth, and predominance of better off families with disposable income.

Ms. O’Reilly made her presentation to members of the council’s Culture and Economic Development Committee and it prompted strong words from Mr. Dumigan who said the council had to “lobby stronger and harder” for greater investment in the area.

“We need to do something different,” he said. “Whatever it is that we have been doing for the last 20 years is not really working.

“It has been particularly difficult over the last five years because of the economic conditions. We need to make an economic development strategy that will take us out of this.”

He added: “Invest NI have to answer a number of serious questions.”

Mr. Dumigan went on to say that he was “not too depressed”, stating that the report had provided a lot of useful information.

“The report says this quite a nice place to live,” he said. “The quality of life is good. We need to address the low earners, however. Why the lower wages here?”

Councillors agreed to invite Alastair Hamilton, the Chief Executive of Invest NI, to the council. Councillor John Doris, however, anticipated Invest NI’s response. “They will say they cannot push people into Down,” he said, arguing that Down District’s major problem was accessibility.