Invest NI creates just 34 jobs in local area

THE regional business development agency tasked with growing the North’s economy helped to create just 34 jobs in the Fermanagh and Omagh area between 2022 and 2023, a local council meeting has heard.

A motion was brought before the latest monthly meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council calling for the local authority to recognise that Invest NI had failed to spread investment and opportunity equitably across the North.

The motion, proposed by the SDLP’s Adam Gannon, revealed the number of jobs created in Fermanagh and Omagh by Invest NI between 2022 and 2023 was the lowest of any of the North’s 11 council areas.

It called on the council to express “grave concern” at the significant geographic disparities in the North’s economy between those areas which have experienced economic prosperity and those areas which have been left behind.

Mr Gannon said, “A person’s choices in life should not be dictated by the post code where you are born. Every person should have the equal opportunity to succeed and go as far as their talents will take them, including here in this district. Far too often that is still not the case.”

His motion, seconded by party colleague, Garbhan McPhillips, further acknowledged the publication of an action plan by Invest NI to implement the recommendations of a recent review which outlined the scale of failure of the organisation to work as a partner on a sub-regional basis.

The action plan states that, by September 2024, there should be the publication of a sub-regional economical plan for Northern Ireland, which includes sub-regional targets.

Alliance Party councillor, Stephen Donnelly, who represents Omagh town, told the meeting there needs to be engagement ‘from our own side’, making sure that the council informs plans and targets going forward.

He said, “Ultimately, the status quo is not going to be acceptable in terms of people’s expectations and demand for a better quality of living, more opportunity and making sure that young people have the opportunity acquired to be able to allow them to stay here and make their contribution.

“Another thing that is mentioned is that Invest NI will publish an industrial land and building strategy that will deliver solutions to support local businesses to grow and expand.

“That is something that is enormously welcome and it builds upon representations that were made very strongly from this council in terms of the particular needs for Omagh.”

Independent Omagh town councillor, Dr Jo Deehan, observed, “Our council area has been significantly damaged in terms of economical development.

“That situation needs to change.”