Thank you Mr Chairman, Councillors, ladies and gentlemen for inviting me here today, to launch the Banbridge Development Strategy for 2009 – 2015.

I’d like to begin by thanking Catriona Regan for her very interesting and informative presentation, which has clearly shown how important the Development Strategy is for the future regeneration of Banbridge.

Although my Department has not been directly involved in commissioning this comprehensive Development Strategy, I am greatly encouraged by Banbridge District Council’s commitment, leadership and proactive approach to town centre development.

An influential report from the 1990s identified four key factors for the success of any town – its amenities, the attractions which draw people to it, its ambience and, finally, leadership.  The last of these is perhaps the most important.  

A town without good leadership will lack the vision and drive that is needed to help it grow and prosper.

I believe that the Council has demonstrated outstanding leadership by taking the initiative with the preparation of this Development Strategy.  That is one of the reasons why I am delighted to be here today to officially launch the Banbridge Development Strategy.  This leadership will be an important advantage for the town as it strives to implement the actions and recommendations of the Development Strategy.

Banbridge is also fortunate to have many other assets upon which it can build.  As well as good leadership, it has many attractions and amenities and has a very distinct and welcoming ambience.  All of these contribute to making it a very important town in this part of Northern Ireland which provides a wide range of services for the population of a large rural hinterland.  The town is also fortunate to be strategically located on the A1 Belfast to Dublin route.

I believe that, in spite of the current economic uncertainty, the Strategy launched today will help you build on these assets and allow the town to come through the current hard times much stronger and better placed to reap future opportunities.  It will help you prioritise and direct the actions that are fundamental in ensuring that Banbridge retains its competitive edge.  It will also help to further improve its distinctive retail and service offer against competing centres and will help attract significant investment for future prosperity of Banbridge.

It is important to realise, however, that the implementation of the strategy will be a long term process and one which will only be successful if there is strong commitment to its delivery.  

With hard work, dedication and partnership working over the coming months and years, I have no doubt that many of the projects proposed in the Strategy will be turned into reality.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in contributing to development of the strategy - especially Banbridge District Council, Banbridge Community Regeneration Ltd and the Consultants, Douglas Wheeler Associates - for their commitment and for having the vision to develop these achievable, yet ambitious plans for the future of Banbridge.

I also want to wish you every success for your future plans for Banbridge Town Centre and its surrounding town lands.  

Thank you.