Newton Calls for Economic Initiatives in East Belfast
East Belfast MLA and DUP economy spokesperson Robin Newton said the economic well being of the east of the city must be a major priority of NIO Minister David Hanson as he sets about fully engaging with the unionist community.
Robin Newton said, "To address the levels of frustration and alienation within the community jobs for our young people, opportunities for those who need to make a career change, skills training to attract inward investment and help for local people who want to set up their own business must be made more readily available.
"The decline in traditional manufacturing jobs has seen thousands being made redundant and opportunities for employment that were available over generations have disappeared.
"East Belfast needs a robust strategic plan, starting from now but with a planned timescale of 10 – 15 years, to halt the company closures, replace the many jobs lost from the manufacturing sectors, heavy engineering, food & drink, textiles etc.
"The people of east Belfast have a long and admirable work ethic and there is ample factory space or ground to build new premises for overseas investors. This long history of a skilled and willing workforce needs to be encouraged to create lasting opportunities and ensure future economic prosperity. Our well-educated young people have the knowledge and deserve opportunities to gain high quality permanent employment. Encouraging and presenting opportunities for the development of community businesses; providing easily reached education facilities for women who want to return to work when family commitments permit need to be expanded within the east of the city.
"Harnessing the business opportunities presented by the emerging industry sectors of biotechnology, hi-tec engineering, food processing and financial services need to be within the economic plan. Encouraging local entrepreneurs through creating suitably sited high technology business incubation units supported by the research and development skills of our universities and colleges must also feature in the plan.
"A failure to speed this economic regeneration will see the levels of hostility and isolation grow and the next time the trouble may not be over in a few days."
