Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will have discussions with the the Northern Ireland Executive on ensuring that the economic impact of the Northern Ireland Enhanced Investment Zone extends beyond the Greater Belfast area.

I am pleased that the UK Government has worked closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to co-develop the Northern Ireland Enhanced Investment Zone to invest £150 million over the next 10 years to unlock around 1,000 jobs.

Recognising the strengths of Northern Ireland’s economy, the programme is designed on an “all-Northern Ireland” basis to support the Executive’s objective of regional balance. Identifying sectoral strengths and growth opportunities within and beyond the Greater Belfast Area. I was delighted that we announced our first investment in May to support advanced manufacturing skills in Lurgan, County Armagh.

We will continue to work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive throughout the delivery of the programme.