Council staff praised for their appearances in London

COUNCILLORS have welcomed a report on the recent £95,000 London investment event.

At the Economic Development Committee last week, a report provided an update regarding the ‘showcase’ which took place in London on Wednesday 10th December 2025 and sought approval for the associated action plan.

Majella McAlister, Director of Economic Development and Planning, came in for high praise.

Antrim Town Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly, said it was: “An excellent report, it was a great event, it was my first visit to Westminster, I am happy to propose we note the update.”

Sinn Fein rep Eamonn McLaughlin, said it was a ‘fantastic event’ and praised ‘the great work of our people’.

“Majella was on the panel and received a standing ovation. She was the only person to be clapped off when she spoke,” he said.

Airport Sinn Fein Councillor Maighréad Ní Chonghaile said she was disappointed to be unable to attend, but said that the Sinn Fein Junior Minister had been in attendance and a party MP, adding that feedback from Sinn Fein ‘people’ was that they were ‘massively impressed’ and expressed her thanks to Ms McAlister.

Meeting Chair Mark Cosgrove said that a ‘far more established event’ took place afterwards, and he noted: “If it wasn’t for us, it would have been half empty.

“We are setting new bars. Congratulations to all the officers’.

The meeting also heard that the council was invited to participate in the second oral evidence session on economic growth to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on the 7th January at Westminster.

The session was attended by Michael McKenna and Steven Norris.

In addition, the NI Affairs Committee is planning a three-day visit to Northern Ireland at the end of January 2026, specifically the 26th to the 28th January.

On the 27th the Council has been asked to host the delegation and provide a structured itinerary to show the Committee some of the assets and key economic drivers in the Borough.

Alliance Councillor Webb moved that the recommendation be approved.

He added: “It was commented on about the meeting in Westminster and the excellent input made from staff, it was commented on by the Fermanagh and Omagh Chief Executive Officer who congratulated me on the calibre of staff we have and the arguments they put forward.”

Neil Kelly seconded and said he looked forward to the visit of NI Affairs Committee.

Michael McKenna, is Deputy Director of Investment and Business Development and Steven Norris is Deputy Director of Regeneration and Infrastructure.