Sinn Féin councillors organise pubic meeting in Dungiven to discuss growth deal 'pause'

Councillor Kathleen McGurk, has formally requested a meeting with the Executive Office following the British Government’s decision to pause the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal.

In an email sent to the Private Secretary for the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers, the Sinn Féin councillor expressed serious concerns regarding the economic impact of this decision, particularly in rural areas that already experience low GDP and average wages.

Westminster was due to provide approximately 50 per cent of funding for nine Growth Deal projects in the borough which included the regeneration of Dungiven town centre and digital hub.

This decision comes despite the head of terms being signed on April 24 this year.

The Growth Deal was poised to bring substantial investment and opportunities to encourage economic growth, job creation and enhanced infrastructure.

"The Causeway Coast and Glens region is facing a critical situation," said Councillor McGurk.

"The decision to pause the Growth Deal will have a profound effect on the economic health of the area, particularly on communities like Dungiven, which have long been in need of regeneration."

Councillor McGurk raised specific concerns about the Dungiven regeneration programme, a key project within the Growth Deal.

"The Dungiven regeneration programme represented a vital opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and decline in a region of low socio-economic status. If the British Government fails to reverse their decision, it will not only harm Dungiven but deepen the existing divide between rural and urban areas in the North."

Councillors McGurk and McGlinchey have also organised a meeting tomorrow (Thursday, September 26) at 7.30pm in Dungiven Library to provide local residents and community groups with an update on the current situation and to mobilise support to oppose the decision by the British Government.

"The time to act is now," Councillor McGurk stated.

"We cannot afford to let rural communities bear the brunt of this decision."

Councillor McGurk also also called on the Executive to secure the portion of Growth Deal funding that was allocated directly from the Executive’s budget, urging them to explore how this funding could be used to progress key projects despite the pause.