Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“I am dismayed to discover by way of a written question that Invest NI’s support for North Antrim fell to an all-time low last year in terms of the percentage of aid provided across Northern Ireland.
“In 2011-12 North Antrim received a paltry 2.9% of Invest NI’s aid. This rose to 5.9% in 2012-13 but in 2013-14 it crashed to 1.9%.
“I have previously exposed the fact that North Antrim has only had 8 visits through Invest NI in the last five years by potential foreign investors. Yet the Belfast constituencies in the same period had been feted with 739 foreign investment visits. Both facts reveals a shocking neglect of North Antrim by Invest NI in terms of seeking and winning foreign direct investment.”
TUV Westminster candidate Timothy Gaston added:
“These figures would be shocking at any time but they are particularly so given the huge blow which North Antrim suffered with the loss of JTI Gallahers. Following the announcement of its closure there were many grand promises of support from the Executive and particularly Invest NI to do all they could to bring new employment opportunities to the area.
“These figures reveal the sad truth that while there was a lot of talk there has been little action.
“I hope that by exposing the lamentable failure of Invest NI to even attempt to deliver for North Antrim we will embarrass them and the Executive into action, belated as it would be at this stage.
“TUV will continue to keep up the pressure on these issues to ensure that North Antrim secures the investment and jobs it so badly needs.”