Joint statement from Mid South West Region and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council following today’s meeting with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn:

"We welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP in Dungannon today and engage with him on the future of the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid South West Growth Deals.

"We pressed our case for the vital need for the UK Government to stand by its commitments of £126 million for Mid South West Region and £36 million for Causeway Coast and Glens, money which will drive innovation in these underinvested areas.

"The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was very supportive and will continue to press our case with the Treasury.

"We look forward to continuing our engagement and call on our MPs and MLAs to support this and do what they can to lobby for our Growth Deals. We will make our case in person at Westminster ahead of the Labour Government’s Autumn Budget."