Written question asked by Lord Trimble (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 18 March 2005. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Friday, 18 March 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions have taken place between the local enterprise agency, Invest NI and Ards Borough Council regarding inward investment in the Newtownards area.

Answer: Mr. Trimble: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions have taken place between the local enterprise agency, Invest NI and Ards borough council regarding inward investment in the Newtownards area. [222073] Mr. Gardiner: Invest NI and its enterprise partners are working with Ards borough council to develop the local economy within the Newtownards region. Invest NI is committed to working closely with others engaged in economic development, and this includes regular attendance at Ards borough council's economic sub committee meetings, at which inward investment issues are discussed. With the continuing movement in global foreign development investment trends from manufacturing to predominantly tradable service-based sectors, potential investors place an increasing emphasis on locations within larger labour pools providing good infrastructure or close proximity to University Centres of Excellence. Invest NI cannot dictate where companies locate but the interaction and co-operation of local stakeholders are important in promoting opportunities for investors to consider areas such as Ards as a potential location. Invest NI has, in the past few years, taken 10 visitors to view locations in Newtownards as part of their visiting itineraries.

Secondary information