Chamber urges Ministers to get back to Business

Speaking at the launch of the construction phase of the new Peace Bridge in Derry, Janice Tracey says that the bridge is the sign that the tide has turned.

"Together with the ongoing work that will transform our public space in the Guildhall Square and surrounding area, our members are looking forward to operating in an environment that is more fit for purpose than they have been used to."

"For our members this will be seen as the first physical manifestation of the regeneration of our city that we have talked about for far too long. The actual construction process will give hope to a business community that has faced a very challenging 18 months and have had just this week learnt of more job losses at Artnz Belting and Raytheon."

Looking to the future the Chamber Chief Executive continued,

"For members in and around the city centre we are hopeful that the bridge will open up a new avenue of business. In the bigger picture, the bridge fits in with, and actually makes work, many of our city's most ambitious plans for the future - a thriving University with a population of 10,000 students, an exciting new Digital Industry sector, a key attractor for our City of Culture visitors in 2013 and of course a link to the rest of the city for those visiting our World Heritage Site walled city.

Our most innovative of members are already thinking of ideas that will maximise the impact of this new link and as a Chamber we want to encourage that sort of innovation and hope to be working with ILEX to facilitate some plans around that.

For members not based in the centre, and for those of us out selling the city to potential investors, the construction of the peace bridge is not only a symbol of progress, not only an iconic structure to point to and tell a story about. More than that it is a signal to the private sector that the tide has turned in Northern Ireland and in Derry and its not going to go back."

Ms Tracey concluded by urging government to get back on course and put the economy top of the agenda.

"We have come out of conflict and achieved a political stability that the business community has welcomed. I would urge the ministers to get back on course and put the economy on top of the agenda. Strong and courageous leadership in our government will ultimately lead to more events like today where we see development & growth that future generations can be proud of and enjoy for many years to come."