Secretary of State ‘focused on future’ as unpaused growth deal signed
Hilary Benn, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended the event in Co Tyrone.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has called for a focus on the future as the unpaused Mid South West Growth Deal heads of terms were signed.
The deal, along with a growth deal for the Causeway Coast and Glens area, was thrown into uncertainty earlier this year when the UK Government announced a pause ahead of the Budget – sparking fury at Stormont.
There were celebrations last week when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced both deals would proceed.
The heads of terms agreement for the Mid South West deal were signed at an event in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, on Wednesday by representatives from the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and the three participating councils.
The package comprises a funding commitment of £252 million from the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government to support infrastructure, tourism and regeneration, as well as digital and innovation projects.
