Assembly Economy Committee consults on regional balance
Over the years I have heard numerous comments that Downpatrick and indeed the Lecale area gets the thin edge of the wedge when it comes to government investment, grants and general support. Where is the Ballynahinch by-pass and why has Downpatrick still got a complex traffic issue ? Is this all a result of regional imbalance ?
Whether it is lack of apparent action on a flood alleviation scheme, more support from Invest NI, our Council not doing its bit etc etc – I’ve heard it all.
So now there is the opportunity for everyone – individuals, businesses, organisations etc – who are disconcerted with the current state-of-affairs to have their say.
The chairperson of the NI Assembly’s Economy Committee wants to hear from everyone who wants to state their case on this key issue of regional imbalance.
The Lecale with the County Town of Down in its midst has become somewhat second class many would argue, especially when it comes to issues such as the 24/7 A&E at the Downe Hospital that was closed years ago due to staffing and resource issues by the South Eastern HSC Trust.
And some people would contend that there has been local political inaction too adding to this downward development for the Lecale area in East Down.
So, now everyone has a chance to write in their own words to the committee chairman of the Economy Committee directly stating their concerns. This in theory is democracy in action.
Has there been rural ‘discrimination’ ? The committee will assess the evidence and provide the findings to the Assembly, but as the present regime grinds on to its conclusion before the election in May 2027, the big question is, will any of this really matter at all ?
But we live in a liberal democracy, so having your say is vitally important and we don’t turn into a country of moaners and gripers – democracy only works when people care about their political and social values. There may even be conflicts – but that is at least ‘healthy’.
Full details are in the letter below.
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Letter to the Editor
Share your views on the Regional Balance Bill
As Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Economy Committee, I would like to invite people to have their say on the Regional Balance Bill.
This legislation, a Private Member’s Bill, proposes placing a statutory duty on the Northern Ireland Executive to address regional disparities in economic performance and living standards across Northern Ireland.
The Committee is launching its call for evidence before the Bill reaches its Second Stage due to its substantial legislative scrutiny programme in the coming months.
We are encouraging contributions from members of the public, businesses and industry representatives, community and voluntary organisations, local government and public bodies, and academic and policy experts.
If the Bill successfully passes its Second Stage, the evidence received will play a role in informing the Committee’s scrutiny work, which will include evidence sessions with stakeholders, clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill, and recommendations to the sponsor of the Bill and the Department for the Economy.
The Committee’s decision to bring forward its call for evidence is a practical one, driven by limited timescales and the pressure to scrutinise other legislation. This should not be viewed as either an endorsement of or opposition to the Regional Balance Bill.
Notwithstanding this, I would encourage anyone who is interested in the Bill to complete the online consultation.
You can find out more about the Bill and the call for evidence on the Assembly’s website at:
www.niassembly.gov.uk.
Responses can be submitted through the Committee’s online consultation platform at https://lk.cmte.fyi/xh02.
Alternatively, you can send your written submissions, comments and evidence to the Economy Committee via email at:
or write to the:
Committee Clerk, Room 349, Parliament Buildings, Ballymiscaw, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3XX.
The closing date for submissions is 22nd September 2026.
Kind regards,
Philip Brett MLA
Chairperson, Committee for the Economy
Northern Ireland Assembly
