Trevor Lunn MLA said: “Underspend in this field is a worrying development and it’s a sad symptom of the challenging times that exist that Invest NI is planning to return money to the Department of Finance. If there is not the requirement for this funding as regards commitments with companies, the money not spent has to be returned.
“Invest NI planned on a set of business circumstances which have since changed and if there is not the demand for the type of investment which they provide it is better that the money is used for other very necessary purposes which could include investment in existing Northern Ireland businesses. It is however crucial that they continue to be ambitious and well prepared to help grow our economy when circumstances improve and attract new investment to Northern Ireland.”
ENDS