Swann Meets NIO on Transformation Fund

South Antrim MP Robin Swann had a productive meeting this week with Northern Ireland Office Fleur Anderson MP.

The focus on the meeting was to seek an update and further clarification on the Transformation Fund. The £235million Fund formed part of the agreement which restored the Stormont Executive, but the roll out has remained slow. The Minister offered the meeting following a number of questions from Mr Swann.

Minister Anderson has shared Mr Swann's frustration at the slow pace of the roll out of the funds. So far just half has been delivered to Executive departments for 'transformational' projects, but around £100m remains unallocated for now.

Following the meeting, Mr Swann said:

"Northern Ireland's public services are in clear need of transformation - and that's what makes this fund so important.

"I thank the Minister for offering to meet with me on this topic, and I found our conversation to be productive. This Fund, if allocated towards true transformation, and at a reasonable timescale, does have the potential to help address some of the biggest pressures facing the likes of our schools, health service, regional infrastructure and justice system.

"The Minister's willingness to work closely with me on this issue is appreciated and I will continue to feed into the process on behalf of the people of South Antrim and Northern Ireland."