Byrne: Budget could be savage for West Tyrone

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has voiced the fears of people locally on the implications of the draft Stormont budget outlined by the Minister of Finance, Simon Hamilton last week.

‘Real fears now loom in West Tyrone about how the Budget cuts could severely damage local health services provision, the ability of local councils to provide services, further education provision and the future of the A5 road.

‘This budget process was not strategic, transparent or open and will impact on services locally.

‘Although  Health has suffered less than other departments there is still grave uncertainty over the provision of services at a local level as well as those provided by the hospitals in Omagh and Enniskillen.

‘The DOE budget with just over 11% cut has been hit the most thus restricting local council services and affecting the rates support grant which will adversely impact on the poorer rates based councils like Omagh/Fermanagh and Strabane/Derry councils.

‘There is already uncertainty around the budgets for further education and an almost 11% reduction certainly doesn’t ease this pressure. Further skills training could be reduced affecting future employment prospects.

‘I have grave concerns for the A5 road. This must be kept a priority to help regenerate the West. I am writing this week to FMDFM to seek reassurance that this road is still a priority for government given these current budget cuts.

‘The Department of Trade and Investment budget is to be increased but most of the jobs created by DETI although they are to be welcomed, have been largely focussed in the East of the Region.

‘It is important that there is economic equality in public investment and that the West is not disadvantaged when cuts are made.

‘Other parties voted for the budget saying this was the best we could get. There are posters up locally stating ‘FIGHT TORY CUTS’ but the same party by supporting this budget is supporting the Tories and the Treasury diktat.

‘The SDLP believe a better deal could have been done if the finances had been considered as part of the ongoing Talks Process with more analysis and consideration of balanced regional needs.

‘Finally this rushed draft budget, agreed between the DUP and Sinn Fein, could end up being a botched budget which could have severe consequences for many of our people.