Regeneration of the local area was key in tackling redundancies - Gerry Kelly

Gerry Kelly said regeneration of the local area was key in tackling the redundancy figures following the release of statistics that show North Belfast had the third highest rate of redundancy in the north last year.

The latest statistics released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment yesterday (Wednesday) show in the period between January 2010 and January 2011, the north of the city saw 190 confirmed redundancies, third only to South Belfast’s 391 and East Belfast’s 351.

However, compared to the previous 12-month period, North Belfast actually showed a decrease in redundancies, with the figure of 190 down from 272 the year before.

The figures for the whole of the north for the period showed a total of 2,168 redundancies, down from 4,592 the year before.

“North Belfast has been at the top of multiple deprivation indicies for generations and regeneration is the key to tackling this inequality,” said the North Belfast MLA.

“This harsh economic environment, coupled with Tory cuts of £4 billion to the budget will hit the poorest hardest.

“It’s essential we grow the business opportunities across Ireland and counter the strategy of slashing the hard pressed public sector. What we have must be targeted to protect the vulnerable and invest in growth.”

Gerry added this week’s announcements regarding ASDA’s pull-out of its proposed store on the Hillview Road and the political row surrounding the Girdwood barracks was evidence not enough was currently being done to challenge the redundancy figures.

“Front-line services such as the Mater Hospital, which is North Belfast’s biggest employer, must be supported and developed, along with the University of Ulster expansion at York Street.

“Controversy over ASDA and Girdwood clearly show many barriers must be overcome to avail of regeneration opportunities, and that needs political leadership.

“Unfortunately, some remain in the past and are vetoing progress to protect narrow political interest. Sadly, it’s the whole community that suffers from that regressive agenda.”