The Mid South West (MSW) Region Growth Deal has reached a key milestone as partner representatives from the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and the three participating councils signed the Heads of Terms Agreement in Cookstown on Wednesday.
The Heads of Terms Agreement for the Growth Deal sets out a commitment by the partners to deliver on a suite of catalyst Infrastructure, Regeneration, Tourism, Innovation and Digital projects that will contribute to the objectives of the Mid South West Regional Economic Strategy.
The investment package comprises a commitment of £126 million each from the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government, enhanced by an additional £18.5 million in government funding from the Executive for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass and the Ulster American Folk Park, as well as contributions of approximately £8 million from the Mid South West Region Councils and the potential for substantial private sector investment bringing the potential investment to over £330m.
The signing at The Burnavon came a week after the Chancellor’s confirmation in the Autumn Budget that the UK Government would fund the two remaining Northern Ireland Growth Deals.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly MLA, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP addressed those in attendance ahead of the signing and spoke of a firm commitment to investing in the region and of boosting economic prosperity and sustainable development.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“It’s a hugely positive day for local communities as we celebrate the signing of the Heads of Terms for the Mid South West Growth Deal.
“We fought hard as an Executive to ensure this significant piece of funding was delivered to drive investment and create more jobs throughout our towns, villages and cities.
“I look forward to working with local councils and people to see the development of exciting projects including the A29 Cookstown Bypass, the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass, the Ulster American Folk Park redevelopment and the Armagh Gaol restoration.
“This game-changing deal will help to unlock our economic potential, promote regional balance and see the delivery of transformative infrastructure, education and tourism projects. I am committed to driving forward real and positive change and creating the best opportunities for all.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly said:
“This is a significant day, one that was hard fought for. We are determined to drive economic prosperity across Northern Ireland and the City and Growth Deals are an important element of that.
“The impressive key projects involved in the Mid South West Growth Deal will deliver a much-needed and welcome boost for the area. I have no doubt they will bring a wide range of benefits to local communities and the wider region including better connectivity and enhanced tourist attractions. They will also create job opportunities and pave the way for further private investment in the future.”
Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:
“While it may have taken slightly longer than anticipated I am pleased to be here today signing the Heads of Terms for the Mid South West Growth Deal. Projects included in this Growth Deal will shape local infrastructure, create job opportunities and further increase the skills base of the region. In addition this significant funding injection will go towards addressing regional imbalance, boosting economic activity helping to attract further investment and opportunities. I look forward to following the Mid South West Growth Deal as it progresses and seeing the transformative changes this investment will bring to the wider region.”
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP said:
“The £126m of UK Government funding will enable the start of a green transformation, with innovative eco projects helping us to move forward to a net zero future supporting local businesses to thrive.
“This Deal will encourage economic growth not only in the Mid South West region, but across the whole of Northern Ireland.
“I want to pay tribute to everyone whose determination and effort has helped make today’s signing happen.
“It will bring tremendous benefits to the whole community and I will continue to support this deal as we head into the next phase of delivery.”
Kevin Savage, Chair of the MSW Governance Steering Group, and Programme Director Paul Donnelly gave an overview of the Growth Deal’s ambitions and its proposed projects.
The 12 project proposals included in the MSW Growth Deal are:
A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass
A29 Cookstown Bypass
Armagh Gaol Restoration and Transformation Project
Ulster American Folk Park redevelopment
Cuilcagh Lakelands Landscape Project enhancements
Robotics Automation Packaging Innovation Centre
Agri-Bio innovation Centre
Green Energy District
Desertcreat Green Innovation Park
Green Hydrogen Distribution Network
Concrete Sustainability Innovation Centre
Green Industrial Challenge Fund
Kevin Savage, Chair of the Mid South West Governance Steering Group, said:
“The Heads of Terms Agreement we have signed today is a pivotal commitment that sets us on a path to future-proofing the economic growth of our region. By driving innovation, bolstering our infrastructure, and embracing sustainable growth, we are laying the groundwork for a balanced, thriving economy.
“The Mid South West Growth Deal will be a catalyst for growth, creating good jobs, elevating the region as a hub for innovation, and unlocking economic potential, while also attracting significant private sector investment to further fuel the region’s development.”
Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd said:
“This is a significant day for all those who have worked so hard on the Mid South West Region Growth Deal. Getting infrastructure right – and investing in it – can deliver real benefits for our citizens, communities and the economy so I am pleased that my Department is progressing two major schemes included in the Deal: the A4 Enniskillen bypass and the A29 Cookstown bypass.
“These projects will provide more accessible and inclusive transport options, remove traffic congestion and will help to support the creation of new business and leisure opportunities. I will continue to work closely with my Executive colleagues and council partners to deliver projects that will bring about positive changes for urban and rural communities.”