The Chairman and Chief Executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have travelled to London to meet with MP’s to lift the pause on the Mid South West Region growth deal.

Chairman Councillor John McClaughry and Chief Executive Alison McCullagh were among a delegation from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Mid South West Region will be meeting with MPs later on Wednesday, urging them put their case to the Labour Government ahead of the Autumn Budget.

The UK Government has so far not recommitted to contributions of £126 million for the Mid South West Region (comprising Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, and Mid Ulster District Council areas) and £36 million for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Councillor John McClaughry, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said: "The pause on funding is very concerning and we are at Westminster to encourage all our MPs to do what they can to ensure the UK Government restore the Growth Deal funding across Northern Ireland and prove that they are indeed serious about addressing regional balance. "

The Northern Ireland Executive reaffirmed its support of £162 million capital funding for the two Growth Deals. However, the paused UK funds are stalling progress on key innovation, green energy and decarbonisation projects designed to boost the economy in these economically disadvantaged regions, which are the only regions in the UK not to benefit from a Growth Deal.

Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive of Fermanagh & Omagh Council, said:"The pause on the £126m funding from UK Government puts at risk a number of projects in our district that have the potential to greatly accelerate the journey of many businesses towards improved productivity and net zero emissions.

“The Council welcomed the recent confirmation from the NI Executive that their share of the Growth Deal funding is secure as this will enable delivery of the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, further development of the Cuilcagh Lakelands project and redevelopment of the Ulster American Folk Park. These projects are key to improving infrastructure and encouraging more people to visit the district and when here, to stay longer."