AQW 7260/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/02/2024
Answered On Date: 07/03/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any work being planned (i) by his Department; and (ii) on a cross-departmental basis, to attract more people into town centres, particularly in the East Londonderry constituency.

Answer:

Sub-regional economic development, including addressing regional imbalances, is one of my core priorities.

I will work with a range of local partners including local enterprise agencies, local businesses, the community and voluntary sector, Invest NI and councils, who have a lead role in progressing and promoting local economic development policies to improve town centres.

I also intend to work with Executive colleagues on taking forward the High Street Task Force recommendations to benefit town centres. This will necessarily require agreement from other Ministers.