Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has reiterated his commitment to the regeneration of the Greater Shankill area in West Belfast.

The Minister was speaking after a meeting with Padraic White, Chair of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council. The meeting followed a previous consultation in the area in which a number of social and economic problems highlighted.

Mr Murphy said it was important to follow up on the important issues affecting the area and to continue to engage with local people and their representatives on issues within the Department for Regional Development's (DRD) responsibility which are contained in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Force’s report.

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“These issues are rightly being treated as a priority by the Enterprise Council and I am determined that they get a fair hearing," said Mr Murphy.

“Certainly my Department will play its full part in delivering balanced infrastructure across the north, where spending permits. West Belfast and the Greater Shankill has particular problems and must be considered accordingly.

Mr Murphy also noted an interest in the development of a rapid transit system in the area.

“Transportation is a particular issue and we must always be looking at ways in which we can overcome existing difficulties and provide the best possible access to and from the city centre and other areas to which people need to travel.

“Mr White has an extensive knowledge of rapid transport issues and we will wish to consider carefully the many points he has made.”

(NS/SP)