Lack of land ready for development ‘holding Omagh back’

MORE than 30 hectares of land zoned for industrial use in Omagh is currently ‘unusable’ due to a lack of the infrastructure necessary for development, a local councillor has claimed.

Bringing the issue to the attention of Fermanagh and Omagh Council, Barry McElduff proposed that the local authority write to Invest NI to restate concerns at the absence of land suitable for industrial use in the town.

The local councillor also suggested that the council should seek clarification on the future role of Invest NI in respect of the procurement and development of industrial land in Omagh.

Cllr McElduff claimed that, of 34 hectares of land zoned for industrial use in Omagh, none was usable by potential investors as there was no infrastructure to support the start-up needs of businesses.

Speaking to the UlsterHerald, Cllr McElduff claimed that this lack of infrastructure was ‘holding Omagh back’ in achieving the same standard of industrial development compared to the rest of the region.

BARRIER

He said, “My understanding is that there are 34 hectares of developable zoned industrial land available in Omagh at this time, but none of this is in the ownership of Invest NI or is serviced, ready for take-up or development. The failure to purchase and develop such land is acting as a barrier in 2023 to attracting inward investment, as well as potential expansion of existing businesses in the Omagh area.”

Cllr McElduff said the proposed dualling of the A5 would provide a step change in terms of connectivity locally, but the absence of available and serviced industrial land would diminish opportunities.

In a subsequent council meeting, Mr McElduff said he proposed that the council write to Invest NI seeking clarification on their future role in respect of the procurement and development of industrial land in Omagh.

Cllr McElduff said, “We need to know, in a changing situation, following on from the Independent Review of Invest NI, which has now been competed and published, if or when Invest NI is going to step up to the plate in respect of procuring and servicing industrial land in the Omagh area.”

‘PREMATURE’

However, an Invest NI spokesperson said it was ‘premature’ to comment on the matter until an Action Plan is put in place in terms of development.

“The importance of industrial land and property to business growth is fully-recognised by Invest NI, and was highlighted by the recent Independent Review of Invest NI.

“We are working with the Department for the Economy to develop an Action Plan that will address the recommendations set out in the Independent Review, including the recommendation that we develop a strategy for the development of industrial land,” said the spokesperson.

“The Department has committed to publishing our co-designed Action Plan later this year (so) it would be premature to comment further until this Action Plan is published.”

DISCUSSIONS

Colm Broderick, Omagh Chamber of Commerce president, said it was ‘vital’ that discussions were held with local industry leaders to evaluate their future needs for expansion/relocation in the area.

Mr Broderick said, “It would be easier to attract industry to the area if all the necessary zoning and infrastructure are in place in advance. What we do not want to happen is new industry being attracted and setting up in other jurisdictions.”