Sinn Féin has said the outline plan for social and economic regeneration in the north inner city doesn't deal with the "wider and longer term issues in the area".

However, spokesperson on urban regeneration Deputy Ellis welcomed the "positive aspects" of the plan.

He said: "Successful urban regeneration has to understand the social, environmental, cultural, educational, safety, business and structural needs of the area. This report focuses on the short term and finding the solution to immediate crisis, but unless a holistic long term approach is forthcoming the regeneration will problematic.

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"The actions outlined in the plan will have a positive effect on the area in the short term where the limited funding outlined will allow, but no thought is given to what the north inner city will develop into over the next number of years, such as how the effects of gentrification will effect it. However, the initial step taken by the Government is welcome in so far as that they are engaging with a community that they have ignored for years."

(CD/LM)