§ 12. Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the Government's plans are for the economic regeneration of the north-west of Northern Ireland. [167671]
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§ Mr. PearsonThe Government have been very active in planning for the regeneration of the North West.
Invest NI has developed an Action Plan for the North West. The aim of this plan is to implement a series of strategic and operational actions to address the weaknesses and vulnerability of the North West. The plan focuses on addressing issues which are constraining business growth/performance and which are within the scope of Invest NI's remit.
The NITB's Strategic Framework for Action will drive the tourism agenda for the next three years and will provide a focus and impetus to the growth and delivery of tourism to all areas of Northern Ireland, including the North West. The framework identifies the "Walled City of Derry" as one of the five signature projects.
The IIex Urban Regeneration Company is taking the lead in building an agreed way forward for the wider economic, social and physical regeneration of the area. This will include the development of a master plan that will form the framework for the company's future work.
IIex recently submitted an interim bid to the Integrated Development Fund, setting out an initial list of projects for consideration. This information is being urgently examined with a view to confirming as soon as possible those projects that should be fully worked up for final consideration.