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

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to establish Freeports in Northern Ireland.

The government has confirmed the continuation of the Freeport and Investment Zones programmes across the UK, which will promote investment opportunities, create additional jobs, and drive economic growth. Given the alignment between Freeport and Investment Zone objectives, in Northern Ireland these programmes have been combined into the Enhanced Investment Zone. This will bring together the overall funding envelopes of both programmes in a bespoke offer for Northern Ireland, reflecting its unique economy, sectoral strengths and opportunities. Northern Ireland’s combined allocation could be open to flexible use between tax incentives and spend.

The government will work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Executive to co-develop proposals for the Enhanced Investment Zone.