£50m to help firms enter defence supply chain in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s defence sector is to receive a £50 million boost to support hundreds of jobs.

The Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal is being launched by the UK Government.

Defence minister Luke Pollard will visit Belfast on Wednesday with Northern Ireland Office minister Matthew Patrick to meet representatives from local industry and research.

Officials said the deal will create a targeted programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in Northern Ireland by making it easier for them to enter the defence supply chain.

Alongside the £50 million investment, the UK Government has said it will provide additional funding for a skills initiative in Northern Ireland.

It said officials will work with industry, colleges and universities to develop defence-related skills such as engineering and technology, supporting industry and creating more opportunities for students.

The initiative was welcomed by deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

She told the BBC: “Northern Ireland has a really strong track record in relation to aerospace and defence and security.

“Today is a positive day to highlight the excellence within those sectors.”