Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA stressed the need for more constructive dialogue on the future growth and development of Belfast while addressing business leaders from across the city at a Belfast Chamber roundtable discussion hosted by FinTrU.
The event focused on the importance of collaboration between business, government and key stakeholders to create the best opportunities for Belfast and the wider region, with discussions centred on infrastructure investment, connectivity, economic growth and the conditions required to support long-term prosperity.
During the session, Minister Kimmins outlined her priorities for infrastructure development and shared updates on a number of significant projects and initiatives. This included discussion around the forthcoming consultation on the Eastern Transport Plan (ETP), which will help shape how people move around Belfast and the surrounding area, unlock investment, support regeneration and create new opportunities for communities and businesses across the city in the years ahead.
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The Minister also noted the significant momentum currently being experienced across Belfast, pointing to a range of positive developments including the recent launch of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the development of Saltwater Square, and opportunities arising through access to All-Island Shared Funds.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA, commented:
“I welcomed the opportunity to visit FinTrU and meet with them and the Chamber members.
“Belfast Chamber plays a critical role in shaping the economic future and identifying opportunities for Belfast and the wider region. We have a highly skilled workforce, world-class universities, a growing reputation in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, fintech, cyber security, and the creative industries. Just as importantly, we have a strong sense of community and partnership that underpins our economic life.
“I thank them for their engagement and feedback to date on infrastructure projects across the city, including the proposals for the Belfast City Centre Transport Plan section of the Eastern Transport Plan and Phase 2 of the Belfast Rapid Transit project (BRT2), which aim to ensure that we can meet the needs of the people and businesses living, working and visiting the area, both now and in the future.
“I want to ensure that we continue to build on that collaboration. Together, we have the opportunity not just to navigate the challenges ahead, but to shape a stronger, more competitive, and more inclusive economy.”
The Minister highlighted that, despite ongoing global challenges, Belfast remains well positioned to capitalise on opportunities in innovation, transformation and green growth, supported by a highly skilled workforce and strong collaborative partnerships.
Recognising challenges facing public finances, Minister Kimmins also stressed the need for a multi-year budget framework to enable long-term planning and delivery as part of an overall masterplan.
Clare Guinness, CEO of Belfast Chamber, said:
"This discussion reinforced the importance of open and ongoing engagement between government and the business community. Belfast is a city with enormous potential, but realising that potential requires different ways of working, collaboration with the private sector and ability to attract external capital to help fund critical infrastructure.
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"Our members welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from Minister Kimmins on key infrastructure priorities and to contribute their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the city. The discussion was focussed on creating capacity to enable improved living standards for all and deliver socio-economic growth. Investment and delivery of critical infrastructure is essential to building a more inclusive economy for Belfast and the wider region."
The discussion included the importance of a cross-utilities approach and sought alignment of government departments to ensure that policy and frameworks supported delivery.
The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining open dialogue and continuing to work collaboratively to make Belfast, the gateway to the region, a more attractive place to live, work, invest and do business.
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