To ask the Minister for Social Development for his assessment of the Joint Ministerial Initiative, the Portrush Regeneration Strategy Western Peninsula; and to detail how they are providing indoor leisure facilities in Portrush.

My Department has taken the lead in a number of regeneration initiatives in Portrush over the past few years and has provided investment to allow Coleraine Borough Council to complete several public realm improvement schemes.

The announcement that Royal Portrush Golf club will host the Open Championship as early as 2019 brings with it huge opportunities not only for Portrush but also for the wider Northern Ireland economy. To make the most of these opportunities however it is recognised that a number of major infrastructure projects would need to be delivered. This includes projects like the development of the harbour, the re-location of the train station and potentially the development of a 4* hotel.

To help progress this programme of works a Ministerial sub-group has been formed to include those Departments who would have input into the decision making process in the above projects. The Ministerial sub-group has representation from DSD, DETI, DRD and DOE. My assessment is that the arrangements have delivered a number of key improvements in Portrush over the past five years and offer an effective mechanism to take forward other prioposals to regenerate the resort.

Neither the Ministerial Sub-Group collectively nor my Department individually have a role in the provision of indoor leisure facilities in Portrush. This is a responsibility which falls to the local Council.