To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what communication her Department has had with relevant stakeholders in East Londonderry regarding how they can use the creative arts industry on the North Coast to boost local business.

In March 2014 DCAL ‘Roadshows’ were held in Limavady and Coleraine to raise awareness of the value of cultural led approaches to tackling social and economic disadvantage. The events included a diverse range of representatives from the community and voluntary sector and local government departments. Discussions explored local economic and social issues and the contribution the wider DCAL family can make to developing innovative approaches and partnerships.

This reinforced the importance of coordination and taking forward joined-up approaches across the North West. My Department has a strategic focus on developing the North West, including Limavady, Coleraine, Derry and Strabane, as a hub for the creative industries and social innovation. Moving forward my officials will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to advance this aim.

The North Coast is also gaining further international acclaim as a location for film and television production. The recent filming of Game of Thrones in areas such as Downhill Beach brings a range of business activity into the area and generates considerable public and international interest which can provide a long term boost to tourism.