A visit by Economy Minister this week to the site of the proposed i4C Innovation and Cleantech Centre in Ballymena which is funded by the government initiative.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has expressed its disappointment after the UK government announced a temporary suspension of funding for City Deals in the Northern Ireland.
The move that has sparked concern and criticism from local leaders.
The City Deals, which are part of a broader regeneration initiative, involve over £1.5 billion, with approximately £600 million directly from central government coffers.
Locally in Mid and East Antrim the funding pause impacts a comprehensive development at The Gobbins on the East Antrim Coast, as well as the Carrickfergus regeneration project, and the i4C Innovation Centre in Ballymena. The local authority has only announced progress on plans for the latter earlier this week with the appointment of
The new £24m green energy innovation hub, is a step closer with the appointment of the design team for the project, WH Stephens.
Commenting on the shock announcement, a spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said:
“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is extremely disappointed following this afternoon’s news which announced the UK Government is pausing NI City Deals funding packages.
“Council has worked collaboratively with key stakeholders over the past seven years to progress the three main BRCD projects in the Borough - the i4C Innovation Centre in Ballymena, The Gobbins Phase 2 and the Carrickfergus Regeneration project. Extensive work has already been undertaken to advance these vitally important projects which will generate thousands of jobs locally and accelerate economic growth for the area - in an inclusive and sustainable way.
“Council will work closely with all relevant departments and key stakeholders to assess what this announcement means for the Borough’s projects and identify a way forward. Council would urge the UK Government to clarify when these vital projects can once again progress.”
The decision to pause the funding comes as the UK government conducts its comprehensive spending review, set to conclude in October. Sources indicate that the government is reluctant to commit to further expenditures until the review is finalized, aiming to align all financial commitments with the new fiscal framework.
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has vehemently opposed the pause, labeling it as "unacceptable and deplorable." Her comments reflect the broader anxiety among Stormont ministers who are pressing for an immediate resumption of the funds, arguing that any delay could jeopardize ongoing and planned infrastructure and economic development projects across the region.
The City Deals, designed to spur economic growth and urban regeneration, have been pivotal in the development strategies of various cities in Northern Ireland. The uncertainty surrounding the funding has raised questions about the future of these projects and their impact on local economies.
While the government has not ruled out the possibility of resuming the funding post the spending review, the current pause has left many in Northern Ireland's political and business communities on edge, awaiting further clarification on the financial commitments from Westminster.
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