SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone claims investment by businesses in the Cookstown area, and west of the Bann is being hindered because of NIE's failure to develop the power supply in the area.

The chairperson of the Assembly Enterprise committee was speaking after comments by the Group Chief Executive of Dale Farm, David Dobbin who revealed the company wants to expand production at its Cookstown factory but are presently unable to because they've been told they've reached their power supply limit.

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Mr McGlone said: "We heard Mr Dobbin on the radio talking about wanting to further develop their business but cannot because – and it's not just them but all of Cookstown - has reached their limit.

"It's high time NIE started investing in the grid in the area and giving hard working businesses the opportunity to expand, which is needed to help our economy at this time.

"I have requested a meeting with the NIE Managing Director, Joe O'Mahoney to discuss this pressing need for businesses in the Mid Ulster area, and in the general west of the Bann region."

(CD/JP)