The state of road and rail infrastructure in Northern Ireland is one of the key drivers of economic inactivity in communities outside the greater Belfast area, according to the SDLP.

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan was speaking ahead of an announcement on £6.6 billion worth of contracts for the HS2 project.

He also said that spending on transport infrastructure in England must see parallel spend on projects in Northern Ireland.

Mr McCrossan said: "For years, we've made the argument that there has been a creeping repartitioning of the North along an East/West axis. That can't continue.

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"The British Government's investment of £56bn in the HS2 project must see parallel investment in local infrastructure projects through a Barnett allocation to enhance our economy and deliver jobs to areas of under-employment.

"Making the case for a Barnett Consequential of this nature, which is worth over £1bn to the North, should be a high priority for a Finance Minister. But in the absence of a functioning Executive, it's unclear if that money will be forthcoming and, even if it is, how strategic priorities would be determined.

"I will be writing to British Chancellor Philip Hammond and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to ensure that our needs are met. This British Government can't simply expect to write a cheque for DUP support and then forget about this place."

(CD/LM)