HC Deb 17 May 1991 vol 191 c294W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the special development initiative led by the Industrial Development Board entails for the constituency of South Down.

Mr. Needham

The Department of the Environment is co-ordinating the involvement of various Government Departments in progressing the Downpatrick regeneration strategy. Within this framework IDB is exploring the availability of a number of sites which might be suitable for industrial development purposes. IDB is also associated with the Department of Economic Development-led Newry initiative which, although primarily aimed at the Newry urban area, is likely to be of benefit to neighbouring areas.

IDB officials have recently met Down district council to discuss industrial development in the area and IDB's United States-based overseas representatives have also met a local group to discuss the establishment of links between South Down and Chicago. Some 70 companies in the South Down area will be provided with information about an IDB trade mission to Chicago in October 1991.