Derry firms missing out on DFP work - Ramsey
SDLP's Pat Ramsey. (1005JB04)
Concern has been expressed after it was revealed only 13% of all tenders advertised by the Department of Finance for work in Derry has been awarded to local companies.
SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey says he is “appalled” after being told only 84 Derry firms were awarded contracts between 2009-2012.
“I am appalled that of 646 expressions of interest by companies based in the Foyle constituency for local tenders between 2009-2012, only 84 in total have been successful - an astonishing 13% rate of success,” he says.
“I met with the Chief Executive of InvestNI a number of weeks ago and he assured me that a bespoke event would be held in the City to allow businesses to take advantage of growth and tendering opportunities, I will be in contact with InvestNI today to ensure that is delivered in the immediate New Year.
“While the Minister informed me as part of the answer to my Assembly question that only 14 relate, in part, to work in the Foyle constituency, the overall figures reveal a terrible success rate, and either businesses feel they cannot access tendering opportunities, or are not in a position to compete and that is something that is incumbent on public representatives to remedy. I also intend to make contact with the Finance Minister to seek additional support to help businesses increase that success rate going forward.”
Mr Ramsey says he will make the issue “a massive priority” going into 2013.
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Weather for Derry
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 10 C to 12 C
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Wind direction: North east
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