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Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty is calling for interested agencies to form a regional job creation initiative aim the North West which in an effort to bring new investment to the area.

The East Londonderry MLA was commenting following news of 70 more job losses with the closure in January of electronics firm Huco Lightronics in Limavady.

Mr. McClarty said: “Despite being told a review of operations was underway last year nothing can prepare people for the devastating news that they no longer have a job and this is something that is becoming all too familiar in the area.

“I sympathise with the staff involved who have been working under a cloud for some time as concerns were aired about the future of the company which has given employment to people for 18 years.

“We are continuing to witness an erosion in employment opportunities for those living in the region and it is time that there was a co-ordinated response.

“The North West hinterland outside Londonderry seems to be almost becoming an industrial wasteland with businesses closing and fewer openings.

“Large towns such as Limavady and Coleraine and suffering and many more people are being forced to travel greater distances to obtain employment.

“Re-training in new skills is obviously an option for some of those who are out of work but the overriding concern is that there are less openings for the existing workforce, let alone school leavers.

“Job creation is an area which must be placed even higher on everyone’s priorities. We have all been trying to make progress on this issue in a variety of ways. Maybe the best way to succeed is to come together on a wider scale and make a concerted pitch to the relevant agencies.

“The Government must identify that there is a real problem so far as employment here is concerned. Coleraine and Limavady are feeling the down draft and things must change dramatically before it is too late.”

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Londonderry David McClarty speaking in the Assembly today during a debate on the closure of the Seagate plant in Limavady called on the DETI Minister to give special attention to the North West Area

In a speech Mr McClarty said,

“The afternoon of 29th October 2007 was a black day for the Limavady and Northern Ireland economy, when the employees at Seagate’s Limavady plant were informed that they were to lose their jobs.

This was truly devastating news for Northern Ireland’s economic ambitions, and has led to considerable concern for the economic future of Limavady and the surrounding North West region. Unfortunately the news got worse for an already beleaguered Limavady community when Huco Lightronics, an electronic firm, announced its intention to close in January 2008, with a loss of 70 jobs.

The economic consequences for Limavady and the North West continue to be of serious concern. It is estimated that unemployment could double in the area. Furthermore, it is also reported that these latest redundancies could mean that

So what do we need to see happen in terms of a governmental response?

I know already that the work of assisting the Seagate workforce to re-engage with the labour-market, having regard for their skills profile and geographical location, is already underway. This is extremely important. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, along with Invest NI, and the Department of Employment and Learning must work diligently to find alternative employment for the Seagate employees who want to remain economically active.

These workers are extremely talented and must be given every opportunity to avail of retraining and educational programmes to enable them to remain in employment. In addition to this, I would be grateful if the Minister could inform the House if there are any renewed plans, as a result of the Seagate job losses, to highlight and promote the north-west region of Northern Ireland as a prime location for investment at the Investment Conference being hosted by the Executive in the spring of next year.

I believe that the North West must be given special attention by DETI, and I look forward to the Minister’s response on this point.

I want to see this Assembly and the Executive act now, so that we can offer a future of hope and economic prosperity for this already beleaguered and fraught community.”

Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty says Coleraine should be seizing the opportunity to enhance the experience of visiting its new tribute to footballer Bertie Peacock.

Speaking after the unveiling of a statue of former Northern Ireland and Celtic star Peacock, the East Londonderry MLA said: “In the past when Bertie Peacock owned a bar in Coleraine some of his football jerseys were on display. It attracted football people from all over the world.

“I think it would add significantly to our potential to attract new visitors if we could set up a football visitors centre or themed restaurant featuring the story of the town’s great football tradition.

“We not only have Bertie Peacock from our town but Harry Gregg and Jim Platt too. The he late Sammy Walker a past president of the Irish Football Association, was a legislator at international level for many years.

“We also have the story of 25 years of the Milk Cup tournament to tell and the history of the local Irish League football club which produced so many top players such as Allan Hunter and Iam McFaul.

“I would welcome the opportunity to discus this idea with people of vision in the area.

“An enterprising local business person might consider opening a restaurant with a football theme in the Diamond area close to the new statue of Bertie Peacock where some of his jerseys and photographs could be permanently displayed. This would give visitors an added experience when they visit the nearby statue.

“We have a rich history of football in the area and in an era where new ideas are always being explored in an attempt to attract visitors, a football visitors centre would be something worth exploring.

Ulster Unionist East Londonderry MLA David McClarty has today welcomed the Health Minister’s commitment to work towards the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence and to give this issue the priority it deserves.

Speaking following the motion on domestic violence which was discussed in the Assembly chamber today, Mr McClarty said: “I welcome the Minister’s vow to give this issue high priority within the department.

“Commitments to create an Inter-Departmental Group on Domestic Violence, to approach the Executive to ensure that this issue is given the funding priority it deserves, and to put more procedures in place around maternity care for early identification of women at risk are particularly welcome.”

He added: “According to police statistics for 2005/06, over 23,059 incidents were reported to the police compared to just under 21,000 in the previous year. On average, every 22 minutes of every day of the year police respond to a domestic incident. And research has shown that 30% of domestic violence starts during pregnancy. The nature and scale of this type abuse is truly horrifying – and every effort must be made to put far-reaching prevention measures in place to address this.

“Domestic violence is unacceptable in any form. The Northern Ireland administration must now deliver and speak up for all those who suffer in silence.”

People with physical disabilities are not being afforded adequate transport to suit their needs, an MLA is claiming.

East Londonderry Assembly member David McClarty is writing to the new Health Minister about the situation which he describes as “grossly inadequate” in some circumstances.

Mr. McClarty says he has been made aware of one particular case where an adult in the Northern Board area was put through a traumatic experience because a bus used to transport people with physical disabilities was not up to standard.

He adds: “It is imperative that this so-called specialised form of transport is fit for purpose.

“In this case passengers being picked up had to negotiate steps to get into the vehicle. For one wheelchair user who was unable to use them, it meant enduring a shuddering tailgate lift at the rear of the bus.

“This turned out to be a frightening ordeal as the lift was obviously in need of servicing.

“I fail to see how buses in service for people with specific needs are not fully serviced. Even newly designed buses seem to incorporate steps which is not ideal in many cases.”

Mr. McClarty also raised another issue that arises: “Health authorities are also using taxis to transport adults with physical disabilities who cannot use buses. This is a waste of valuable resources simply because buses are not adaptable enough to be used for the very purpose for which they are supposed to be designed.

“Surely there is a major discrepancy here? By their very nature buses for transporting people with physical disability should be specifically designed to do so and ultra safely because of the needs of those who are using them.”

Mr. McClarty intends to take the issue up with incoming Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and is also writing to the Health Board, calling for immediate moves to replace buses currently in service and introduce vehicles that can provide safe and suitable transport.

“This is an issue of high priority considering the number of people using specialised transport across the Province.

“It is imperative that those using these services are not put at risk or under needless stress.”

If the North Coast area is to benefit from an anticipated increase in tourism it must provide more top quality hotel accommodation, East Londonderry Assembly member David McClarty has said.

The UUP MLA says the lack of hotels in the area is a problem that throws out a challenge to tourism chiefs, private business people and the hotel and catering industry itself.

Mr. McClarty says: “If we are going to encourage event tourism and continue to host major sporting attractions such as the North West 200 motorcycle races, the Milk Cup football tournament and golf events then we must strive for more top quality accommodation.

“I am fully aware of the difficulties organisers of these hugely popular sporting attractions have to deal with as they have had to deal with the loss of more and more options in the accommodation sphere in recent times.

“For an area which relies so heavily on tourism, it is a concern that there are less hotels along the North Coast now then there were a decade ago.

“All predictions point to an increase in tourist numbers and we have to actively be exploring all avenues when it comes to providing high quality hotels for a demanding market.

If the parties who stand to benefit from tourism do not engage on this issue then we will continue to have problems.

“Resorts such as Portstewart and Portrush must be in a position to host overseas visitors who are now expecting the very best in comfort and value.

“We have seen a decline in the number of hotels and this has presented whole sale problems for the people who are doing so much to encourage visitors here by staging wonderful events and entertainment.

“If projections are accurate - and there is no reason to doubt the research – we have to be ready to roll out the welcome mat to the world.

“I believe that presents a challenge to a whole range of people from the tourism industry and those charged with its promotion, including the local council, through to private business.

“It is a source of disappointment to see a distinct lack of hotels on the North Coast and while I would congratulate those hoteliers who have invested heavily to expand and improve what they have to offer, we still need more investment in this area.

“The off peak period is obviously something which must be addressed but again that presents us with something to look into and if event tourism can be successful expanded in the region then there is no reason why we cannot have more quality accommodation.

Despite the fact that many people in society are prepared to move on and work for a peaceful and equitable future in the Province, there are still a tiny minority who are clinging to the past, East Londonderry Assembly member David McClarty has said.

The MLA was speaking following an incident in Coleraine on Monday night when a parked car was set alight by a petrol bomb.

He said: “Every effort must be made to apprehend those who are continuing to inflict fear and terror in the community.

Condemning the attack at Linden Avenue in Millburn, Mr. McClarty added:

“These type of incidents are heinous and obviously designed to frighten and alarm. Such behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated by right-thinking people. I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this attack to help the police with their enquiries.”

Special parking spaces for disabled motorists should be made available in Coleraine town centre, East Londonderry UUP Assembly candidate David McClarty is demanding.

The outgoing Ulster Unionist MLA made the call following representations from a number of people with disabilities who currently find it impossible to access the Diamond area in the town.

Mr. McClarty said: “I must make it clear that I am not advocating a large number of spaces in the area around the Town Hall but perhaps two or three for permit holders who cannot otherwise make their way to their town centre bank from car parks at the Mall or Abbey Street.

“There are many disabled motorists who are unable to reach the central area from these car parks without assistance.

“This is a human rights issue which must be addressed by the Department of the Environment as promptly as possible and I will be making representations to them and the Town Centre Partnership.

“In recent years we have made giant strides forward in our awareness of the needs of disabled people but there is still much to be done and I maintain that those who cannot conduct business in the town centre without being able to park in close proximity to the area are being discriminated against.

“That may be unintentional and I can understand that there would be concerns raised over the abuse of such spaces if they were provided, however, we have a robust and highly visible parking patrol in operation and any able-bodied motorist who is prepared to stoop so low as to misuse a disabled parking facility deserves to face the full consequences of their action.”

East Londonderry Assembly candidate David McClarty has taken Social Development Minister David Hanson to task over his reminder that Housing Executive rents are around £12 lower per week here than in England.

While welcoming the Minister’s announcement that rents in the Province will be pegged to inflation for the 2007/08 financial year, the Ulster Unionist Councillor said there was absolutely no need for Mr. Hanson to raise the issue of rent prices in England.

“This once again smacks of NIO Ministers attempting to make Ulster people feel as though they are receiving special treatment from the Government when in fact the Government is failing to genuinely assist those on low incomes here.

“While I agree that the 3.6 per cent increase, which comes into effect from 2nd April, is relatively modest at around £1.64 per week on average, the Minister should remember that the cost of living in Northern Ireland is substantially more expensive than it is across the water.

“We pay more here for energy costs and every day living expenses. Thanks to the policies of Direct Rule Ministers, life is certainly no easier for people living in local authority accommodation in the Province and is set to get harder if a working Assembly is not the outcome of the upcoming election.

“Mr. Hanson’s remark is a jibe which many will find insulting and indicative of the high-handed manner which Direct Rule Ministers have adopted in their role in Northern Ireland.”

Too many parents are gambling with their children’s lives by not insisting they are properly restrained in cars.

East Londonderry Assembly candidate David McClarty is warning all drivers to ensure their young passengers are safe and secure before they begin any journey.

The UUP representative says: “I still see many children travelling in cars without wearing seatbelts and adults completely unconcerned.

“Make no mistake, drivers who let young people travel without seat belts are gambling with their lives and that is completely unforgivable.”

Mr. McClarty added: The law is changing this month and drivers will have to put children in restraints and seat belts where fitted or face stiff penalties.

“Figures show that one in ten children under 14 years in Northern Ireland still travels in the back of cars without being safely belted in.  We all know that this is putting children’s lives at risk.

“It is vitally important that they have the appropriate restraints to provide that protection.

“I would simply urge responsible parents to refuse to begin a journey until all their passengers are wearing seatbelts.”

The new rules will mean that in cars and goods vehicles, children under three years of age must always be carried in a baby or child seat appropriate to their weight. Children aged three to 12 and under 135 cm (whichever occurs first) must use a booster seat or cushion and children over 135 cm must use a booster cushion or adult seat belt. All bus passengers aged 14 years of age and over will be required to use seat belts where fitted.

The law already requires drivers and adult passengers to use seatbelts provided in cars and goods vehicles.  It also requires children travelling in front seats to use a child restraint or a seatbelt.