The Minister was speaking by video to the Northern Ireland Local Government Association annual conference at Londonderry today. Addressing the delegates on the Programme for Government’s investment strategy she said: “We have a priority to improve the infrastructure in Northern Ireland. I welcome the opportunity to address the local government sector at this event because central and local government here have a challenging time ahead if we are to grow a dynamic and innovative economy.
“The challenge to deliver improvements in service against a tightening fiscal agenda cannot be met by central government alone – all public service providers must work together.
“We must ensure that communities feel the benefits of increased prosperity, but we cannot achieve that without protecting and enhancing our environment and natural resources. The environment in which we live will determine to a large extent our well-being and our life experiences. It is not separate from our quality of life. It is intrinsic to it.”
The Conference was attended by around 270 delegates including elected members, local government associates, senior council staff, senior civil servants and a range of high profile public speakers.
Notes to Editors:
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