On Tuesday 13 September 2016 the adjournment debate was ‘Investing in Town Centres in Upper Bann’.
The proposed of the debate was Ms Catherine Seeley.
“Ms Seeley: I am proud to be from Upper Bann, which sits just 30 minutes outside Belfast. We have excellent rail links, although they could be improved if they were extended to Armagh; great access to the motorway; numerous booming industrial estates, with big names employing many; and many huge tourist attractions, including Oxford Island, the people’s park, Lurgan park and Brownlow Castle. It truly is a place where we can work, live and play.
I want to take the opportunity to commend the businesswomen and businessmen of Upper Bann, who work tirelessly to contribute to our economy. Endless hours are spent, often simply making ends meet and surviving from one month to the next. Our bustling side streets with our independent retailers, butchers and veg shops are the heart and soul of our towns. There is nothing quite like the meat from Jim McCann’s and Finty O’Hagan’s, the fruit and veg from Hendersons, the unique gifts from Danann Crafts or the mouth-watering food from our bustling restaurant scene. I also want to commend the efforts of Banbridge and Portadown’s chambers of commerce. The Finance Minister recently met Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and witnessed at first hand the sterling work that they do. Hopefully, he will accept an invitation to meet the Portadown Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Lurgan retailers in the coming months.”