7 February 2001

SIR REG EMPEY ADDRESSES ENTERPRISE NEWRY

Local and regional issues will be critical in determining how Northern Ireland's new Economic Development Agency sets about delivering economic services, Sir Reg Empey, MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said today in Newry.

The Minister was addressing Enterprise Newry in a speech covering a number of current key issues but focussing mainly on proposals for the new Agency.

"The restructuring of the existing agencies I am proposing will not in itself impact on the arrangements for local economic development but the new Agency will have a strong regional profile," he said.

"It will ensure that its services are delivered evenly and equally throughout Northern Ireland. This will allow for the strengths of each area to be exploited and any weaknesses addressed.

"At present LEDU has the lead role within DETI for liaison with the Councils and the other bodies which undertake local economic activities. IDB has a separate but important responsibility for working with the Councils to market their areas to potential inward investors.

"These two functions will be brought together and enhanced in the new Agency within the context of the Small Business Strategy which is one of my Department's actions in the Programme for Government.

"This new Agency will seek to develop partnership arrangements with local players and contribute to local responses by Councils, regional clusters and third party organisations developing and delivering services to the business community.

"It is important to recognise the excellent links which have been established in Newry with LEDU, IDB, Newry & Mourne District Council, Enterprise Newry and Louth County Enterprise Board."

Earlier in the day the Minister toured SCA Packaging, an IDB client company based in Warrenpoint.

Following his lunchtime address to guests of Enterprise Newry in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, Sir Reg met with the owners of the hotel and was given a tour of the facilities.

Later the Minister met representatives of Newry & Mourne District Council and the Committee of the East Border Region Group at which a North/South gas pipeline was discussed. Speaking to the group Sir Reg said: "I am keen to see the gas supply industry extend outside the Greater Belfast area.

"However, the development of a gas industry in the Southeast is almost certainly dependent on the construction, by the private sector, of a gas pipeline between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

"Hopefully, well developed and fully costed pipeline proposals will be brought forward by private sector developers and serious consideration will be given to any requests for grant aid."