Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s economic development and regeneration committee will meet with representatives of Invest NI next month, it has been confirmed.
The meeting will see council representatives seek answers from the regional economic development agency concerning its plans for industrial lands it currently holds in the Carn / Seagoe area of the borough.
Speaking at a meeting of the council’s economic development and regeneration committee, Councillor Kyle Savage urged the local authority’s officers to sort the issue before jobs are lost.
“A long time ago in this committee the issue was raised about the lack of work from Invest NI in terms of getting its land allocated,” he said.
“There are businesses in the Seagoe and Carn area seeking to expand and if we don’t get things done very soon they will be away out of this area.
“I would like a letter to go back to Invest NI asking them to get to this committee and answer for their inaction. We will lose businesses and jobs out of this area if we do not get answers on land for these businesses ASAP.
“There is one business at the minute looking to create about 100 jobs, they need 15 acres of commercial land but where is it? Invest NI are hogging the land and will not give it up. Action needs to be taken on this.”
Council’s strategic director of community and growth, Olga Murtagh confirmed the meeting will take place in the third week of February to discuss this issue.
“A meeting has been arranged with representatives from Invest NI to discuss the industrial lands issue and that will take place in the third week of February,” said Ms Murtagh.
Cllr Savage thanked the director for the information but warned that he hopes it has been dealt with “in time to save these businesses”.
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