The attraction of inward investment into Down District is a key issue for Down District Council given that in the last 25 years IDB have failed to secure a project for the District.

  In partial defence of IDB, we have significant infrastructural weaknesses, which has the potential to make our District unattractive to potential investors. The relatively poor quality of the A7, the main road between Belfast and Downpatrick, is a particular problem. We have highlighted this "Achilles Heel" of our District in our representation to "Shaping Our Future". Unless there is significant investment to upgrade our roads connections with Northern Ireland's key transport corridors, the Down District will be limited in the type of investment which we can expect to attract.

  To the best of my knowledge there are only three IDB registered companies in the District at present. Most others are small LEDU clients. As there is limited potential for growth within indigenous companies, the attraction of inward investment is the cornerstone of our economic development strategy.

  Currently our unemployment rate is 8.1 per cent, higher than in many areas West of the River Bann. We also have the highest percentage growth rate of long term unemployed among under 25's in Northern Ireland. This is a trend, which we must reverse if we are to retain our most talented young people and tackle growing social exclusion in the District.

  This inability to attract investment to the District in the past has resulted in economic growth being identified as the key issue which residents of the District wish to see tackled over the next three years.

  Given that IDB has recently completed the construction of an 80 acre Business Park, it is our hope and expectation that new investors can be persuaded to locate in Down.

  The concept of giving priority to Targeting Social Need areas presents genuine difficulties for us as we believe that the Robson criteria are inadequate for measuring disadvantage in rural areas where there are pockets of acute deprivation. The high proportion of professional people who reside in Down because of its high quality environment and Grammar Schools and travel to work outside the District distorts the true picture of high youth unemployment, poor services, and deprivation which exists in certain parts. We contend that the principle of fair treatment is much more valid when assessing location priority.

  Down District Council is committed to working in partnership with IDB and other agencies to bring investment to Down and to meet investors' needs. Ultimately, however it is IDB who have the resources and the obligation to deliver potential investors.

  Given our infrastructural problems, it is most likely that the industries which we will be capable of attracting, will come from the service, software or internet based sectors.

  These businesses would also be compatible with the green, clean, high quality of life image that is associated with Down District.

  In general we are well satisfied with the way our relationship with IDB is developing and there is an ongoing commitment by both organisations to work together in partnership to maximise opportunities for the District.

11 November 1999