Census statistics showing the Derry City and Strabane area once with the highest unemployment in Northern Ireland show the "status quo is not delivering, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said.
The Foyle MP was speaking after new census data showed the unemployment rate in the area at 3.7% - the highest of all 11 local council areas.
The Fermanagh & Omagh, Mid Ulster and Lisburn & Castlereagh councils had the joint-lowest at 2.2% each.
Read more: Northern Ireland Census 2021 results: Number of LGB+ adults included for first time
Both the SDLP and Sinn Fein pointed to historic under-investment in Derry and the wider North West region to explain the economic woes.
In a statement, Sinn Fein MLA Padraig Delargey said: "Tackling decades of underinvestment in the north west and working to create jobs and transform the economy is a priority for Sinn Féin.
“We need an Executive formed now and parties working together, alongside all key leaders in the city, to continue to invest in areas like Derry and Strabane and ensure this area reaches its full potential."
Mr Eastwood, meanwhile, said: "It’s extremely disheartening that every time we see these figures Derry and Strabane regularly ranks at the bottom when it comes to employment.
"This place and its people have so much to offer and we have proven time and time again when it comes to talent and achievements that we punch well above our weight in everything ranging from sports and the arts to science and engineering.
"Despite our potential we have regularly suffered from a lack of investment and neglect from successive Stormont and Westminster governments who fail to give us our fair share. That we have made such progress despite this and that we can still be so positive about what the future holds is a credit to this place and our people."
He continued: “I believe that to truly address the issues we are experiencing then we need to see greater cross-border cooperation that recognises the shared challenges we face and makes the most of the opportunities that come our way.
"Parts of Derry, Donegal and Tyrone all experience difficulties, but together we could deliver so much more than what people are getting right now.
"Ultimately our ambition must be to build a New Ireland that truly delivers for people here. We need to see significant investment in this part of our island, in education, skills and a properly resourced university that can serve the entire region. The SDLP will keep advocating for the investment needed to transform the North West, delivering jobs and developing our economy so that everyone can benefit.”
READ NEXT:
- Derry principal appeals for help to repair caved-in roof after Education Authority says no
- Derry mental health facility closure should be opposed, say Sinn Fein
- Derry student filmmakers nominated for Royal Television Society Award
- New IRA: Arrest in connection to claim of responsibility in DCI John Caldwell shooting
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
