To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) how current regeneration policy is supporting small businesses in East Londonderry; and (ii) whether recent programmes have addressed the needs of local town centres.

My Department continues to develop a range of regeneration schemes with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council throughout East Londonderry such as the current Revitalisation Scheme providing £150,000 to small businesses in Limavady. Furthermore, small businesses in rural areas such as: Garvagh, Greysteel, Kilrea, Magilligan and Drumsurn are benefitting from approximately £300,000 part-funding from my Department under the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Programme. My Department has also funded approximately £2,800,000 on Public Realm Schemes in Portrush since 2020 and sixty small businesses have benefited from a £300,000 Revitalisation Scheme in Coleraine Town Centre in 2023.

My Department is also leading on the Shaping Sustainable Places Programme, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Department for Infrastructure. This programme will require NI Executive approval, and if approved, will focus on regeneration interventions prioritised by Local Councils.