Concerns have been raised whether a £150 million investment in Ultra-Fast Broadband for Northern Ireland will go ahead.

The multi-million pound investment package forms part of the DUP-Tory Confidence and Supply arrangement.

However, following a meeting with communications regulator OFCOM in Belfast this morning, SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty said the investment is being stalled due to the political deadlock at Stormont.

"Much has been made of the confidence and supply arrangement between the DUP and the Tories," Mr McNulty said.

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"They have pledged £150million for Ultra-Fast Broadband and there are large geographical areas, particularly in rural and border communities anxiously waiting for this investment. Business growth is stifled and residents are frustrated by the lack of progress on this issue.

"Earlier this year the Civil Service announced it was consulting political parties on how to implement this investment but it now appears that this much needed investment will fall victim to an inactive Stormont. With no Executive and no Minister in place this project is going nowhere fast."

Mr McNulty added OFCOM figures show that 63,000 homes and businesses across Northern Ireland do not receive 10 Mbps.

"This single investment in broadband infrastructure over two years would have eclipsed all the investment made here in the last ten years so it could make a really positive difference to thousands of people's businesses and lives," he said.

"I have written to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of the Economy, to seek urgent clarity."

(LM)