SDLP MLA Alex Attwood has called "a significant and timely intervention" regarding the comments of the DETI minister in the Assembly on the future development of the Visteon site.

Mr Attwood said: "During DETI Oral Questions in the Assembly, I asked Arlene Foster a 'yes or no' question - did the Minister agree that part of the Visteon lands in Finaghy Road North should be retained for industrial use?

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"This is a strategic site. There is a strong manufacturing history. The site cannot be lost for future industrial use and job opportunities. That was the purpose of my question. That is a why I asked a 'yes or no' question.

"The answer of the DETI minister was, in my view, a significant and timely intervention. Arlene Foster said that 'DETI are always very slow to give up land that has been zoned for economic development. There has to be a very strong and overwhelming case for us (DETI) to move away from that'.

"I am writing to the Planners to confirm the view of DETI. I will be saying unambiguously there are now no strong and overwhelming reasons to enable lands zoned for economic development use to be lost. The planners cannot make a decision that results in any other outcome."

(CD/JP)