That was the message from Economy Minister Nigel Dodds, who was in Cookstown today to formally launch the local Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2007- 2010.
The Minister said: “Investments in key productivity drivers of innovation, skills, enterprise and infrastructure are a critical component of the Programme for Government, and these are clearly reflected in the Cookstown District Local Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.”
Cookstown District has become the third fastest growing economic location in Northern Ireland and the Local Strategy and Action Plan aims to improve the environment and develop the area as a quality and dynamic place to live, work and invest. The Strategy and Action plan will strengthen the District by enabling economic diversification, developing employability and skills, improving infrastructure and supporting town centre regeneration.
The Minister continued “Since its inception, Invest NI has offered assistance of £11.3million to companies in the Cookstown area, towards total planned investment of £61million. Over the past three years, 80 companies from the Cookstown area have used the export services offered by Invest NI. We must continue to emphasise the need for export-led growth, and for businesses to invest in Research and Development (R&D) and innovation.
“The Programme for Government has also set ambitious targets for increasing the number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland. The Ballyronan Marina Enhancement on the shores of Lough Neagh is an excellent example of a project that will help attract more tourists to this area.
“A lot of hard work has gone into the development of this comprehensive Strategy and I congratulate all those who have been involved. I look forward to working with the Council and other stakeholders to achieve our joint aim.”
The launch, which took place in Loughry Campus, was attended by Cookstown District Council representatives, local business people and Loughry Campus students representing industries to be developed through the Strategy and Action Plan, such as construction, education and hospitality.
Notes to Editors:
- The launch of the Local Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan took place at the Food Technology Centre in Loughry Campus, Cookstown on Thursday 1 May 2008.
- View the Cookstown District Local Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan under the Business Link and on the Economic Development Page
. - For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297.
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