Statement by TUV Deputy Mayor, Cllr Timothy Gaston:
“I welcome that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have requested a meeting with the DETI Minister, Jonathan Bell, to discuss how his department is managing Foreign Direct Investment visits to our borough.
“Such visits, and such investment that can result from the visit, is something that can dramatically improve the economy. It is telling that since 2010, Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne together have only had 23 foreign direct investment visits. That is simply not good enough.
“We know the success of local companies such as Wrightbus, AES Energy and Schrader Electronics – our borough has a skill set and work ethic that can be utilised.
“I would urge the Minister to meet with the Council and update us on what exactly he will be doing to actively promote Mid and East Antrim in a positive manner.”