Debate contribution: Regional Balance Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Diana Armstrong on 8 September 2026.

MLA: Ms Diana Armstrong
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 8 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Regional Balance Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5674456

Text

I agree with the points raised there. It would be a useful exercise to compare the cost of doing business in rural peripheral areas with that in more highly populated areas. I will address the Mr Honeyford's point about cross-border cooperation. Businesses, health and education currently have cooperative engagements across the border. Cooperation already exists in border regions, where many cross-border chambers and bodies are already working cooperatively. Yes, more could be done, but there is a very healthy supply chain, particularly in Fermanagh and the border areas, through the Border Region Manufacturing Cluster (BORMAC), which promotes and coordinates such work. A more balanced approach to investment can help support thriving town centres, as the Member said, strengthen local economies —.
Yes.
Thank you for that, but we are making progress with what is already in place through the collaborative working arrangements. Supporting the Bill's progression to Committee does not mean that every Member agrees with every proposal that is contained within it; rather, it recognises that the principle of regional balance is worthy of detailed scrutiny and that the Assembly should take the opportunity to consider the evidence, hear from stakeholders and examine how best to address regional inequalities. Committee Stage will provide the appropriate forum to test the Bill's provisions, assess any potential financial implications and consider how its objectives might be implemented in practice. Given the importance of the issues at stake, I believe that that level of scrutiny is both appropriate and necessary. I therefore support the Bill's proceeding to Committee Stage and look forward to the recommendations that will emerge during that process. Above all, I hope that the debate contributes to creating a Northern Ireland where opportunity is not determined by a postcode and where every region can realise its full economic and social potential.

301 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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