Mid Ulster businesses needs better infrastructure and electricity supply, says Sinn Fein candidate Michelle O'Neill

In a statement ahead of this Thursday’s Assembly election, the Sinn Fein candidate and outgoing Agriculture minister raised the issues of electricity supply and infrastructure for expanding local companies.

She highlighted her role in relocating the entire DARD department out of Belfast in various rural locations and “commended local business entrepreneurs for their commitment and vision to providing jobs in the local area”.

“There is a strong local engineering sector with a diverse world market on its order books. That is great news for employees, for shops and for young people looking at career choices,” said Mrs O’Neill

“It has been built up locally and supports many other smaller supply businesses and subcontractors. It is a vital part of Mid Ulster’s survival.

“To ensure this sector remains strong we need increased strategic development from electric and gas suppliers to meet the energy needs of these large industries.

“Unfortunately there is a gap in the electricity supply network and this needs to be addressed by the Utility Regulator and the energy companies themselves.”

The Mid Ulster election candidate, added: “I will be bringing my experience into the new Assembly to ensure that the new Executive will see what measures can be put in place to remove the infrastructure gaps in the constituencies west of the Bann.