Business Leaders in the regional capital of the NW of the Island called today on the newly formed Irish government to make every effort to sustain the economic momentum of gateway status in the NW. Derry Chamber President, Mr Ian Crowe, commended An Taoiseach for his commitment to the NW. He said:

"During his visit here, I thanked An Taoiseach for his commitment to the peace process in the North and the ongoing development of the Gateway status on both sides of the border for Derry and Letterkenny." Mr Crowe continued "The Irish government's commitment in terms of financial assistance sends a very clear signal of recognition in relation to the importance of the NW."

Janice Tracey, Chamber CEO and spokesperson for the NW Chambers Partnership said,

"Of the £400 million (580 million euros) investment package that has been previously announced as part of the peace dividend, a considerable percentage of this will be for the Dublin Derry Road. Good news for all the towns along that route. But we want to encourage this new government to use its influence to ensure that the match funding necessary is put in place by the NI Assembly and that all necessary steps are taken to speed up delivery on the roads front." "Our companies all along the Derry Letterkenny axis are dependant on infrastructure in order to carry out their business. The NW region has great potential and these plans will put us on a more equal footing with other well connected regions but it must be delivered sooner rather than later."

The Chamber President concluded "We wish this new government every success and look forward to welcoming An Taoiseach to the NW in the near future"

For further information contact Janice Tracey @02871262379

Editors Note

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in the NW. LCC is situated in the Regional Gateway City - Derry/Londonderry and manages the NWCCI partnership of Chambers of Commerce across Donegal, Derry and Tyrone.

NWCCI is a partnership representing Chambers of Commerce in the North West Region of the Island of Ireland. It was launched in 2001 by President Mary McAleese. NWCCI provides a strong lobby for the business community in the North West and a real force for change in the region. NWCCI represents Chambers of Commerce in Coleraine , Derry, Gweedore. Letterkenny, Limavady, Strabane, Omagh, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Killybegs, & Buncrana.