STRABANE FINALLY GETS A BREAK

The £50 Million Strabane Three Rivers Project which has the potential to create up to 1700 jobs has today been given the green light by the SDLP Minister for the Environment, Mark H Durkan.

Welcoming this very exciting announcement, West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne said; "Today's news signals the beginning of a very significant development for the people of Strabane and the wider District Area in terms of both Job creation and investment opportunities.  I am delighted that planning approval has been given on this Golden opportunity for Strabane by the SDLP DOE Minister Mark H Durkan, who has listened to the wishes and requests of the Strabane Community who wanted to see this comprehensive development project proceed with strong approval by all the statutory agencies involved."

"A significant Economic Development project of this scale in Strabane has been long overdue for some years. As the SDLP MLA for Strabane, It is my hope that this planning approval for the Three Rivers project will help kick start many other proposed development opportunities which are greatly needed to create jobs and bring further investment for Strabane and its people. Since being re-elected as the SDLP MLA for this area in 2011 my team and I have continually pushed for the approval of this development and lobbied extensively both Minister Attwood and the current Minister Mark H Durkan to grant a favourable decision for this comprehensively and potentially life changing scheme."

"Job creation and investment for the Strabane District is a key priority for the SDLP and will remain at the top of our agenda moving forward. My SDLP team and I feel strongly about the very high levels of unemployment in Strabane, especially within our younger generations who have had to emigrate in the hope of finding employment. For those people this project has the potential to provide job opportunities and generate more local spending power which can enhance Strabane as a regional town in terms of both retail and tourist related opportunities."

"I would like to take this opportunity to also commend the private developer's behind the three rivers project for their perseverance and dedication in pursuing and addressing all of the requirements of statutory authorities in order to make this project a reality. There were issues relating to the DRD Roads Service and DARD Rivers Agency which had to be addressed as well as environmental matters in order to secure final approval.  Project Spokesperson Mr Niall McAteer and his professional team have had numerous meetings with me, including a number of ministerial meetings in order to address all of the issues relating to this significant and exciting project. It has been a difficult process getting to where we are today, but one I hope will prove worthwhile and beneficial to the people living in and visiting the Strabane and Lifford areas."

ENDS

Byrne Welcomes sale of Historic Mill Site

SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has today welcomed the news that a local investor has purchased the Herdsman's Mills site following months of uncertainty and controversy surrounding its future.

Welcoming the news Mr Byrne said: "This is a very positive announcement for the residents of Sion Mills, Strabane District and entire Northwest. Herdsman's Site, at the heart of the beautiful village of Sion Mills, has always had a very attractive tourism potential. The Mills cultural and industrial heritage could now become a major regeneration project for the Strabane District over the next few years."

"It is very exciting to learn of the new owners plans for Herdsman's as a mixed use development project, attracting tourism, further investment and job opportunities for its industrial heritage, business units and recreational facilities. Sion Mills offers significant development opportunity with potential Government investment and support throughout the village. The recently restored Sion Stable Block is solid proof of the impact of built heritage rejuvenation and the benefits it has to the local area." 

"I would also like to congratulate the Sion Mills Steering group on their successful and hard fought campaign against the proposed anaerobic digestor planned by the previous owner. This is indeed a time for celebration in Sion Mills, as we set our sights on what sounds like a very positive and exciting future development."

"I wish the new local owner the very best of luck and support for the future."

Byrne: Leadership essential following suspension of Talks

SDLP West Tyrone MLA and Talks Negotiator Joe Byrne has expressed his disappointment following the withdrawal of Unionist parties from the Talks aimed at finding a resolution to flags, parading and the Past.

“This was a time when good leadership was essential and this is what the SDLP was trying to provide in the talks room.

“It is imperative that community leaders now remain calm and move to ease tensions wherever they arise. The coming days and weeks will undoubtedly see anger but we must all seek to address that in a mature way.

“All parties now need to get back in the room and reengage in dialogue; this is the only way of making progress. We were making some progress and the SDLP are convinced that resolution to all of the issues that are on the table is possible. No party or community should be allowed to derail this that has the potential to resolve the outstanding challenges we face.

“This is a time for cool heads. If the last 40 years has taught us anything, it is that you can make all the threats you like, you can destabilise what you like but at the end of the day you have to come back to the institutions. We need the institutions to hold our community together.

“The public are streets ahead of some of their politicians. They want to see the talks make progress and move our society into prosperity. It is our duty to help deliver for them”

ENDS