Adams wins extra funding for Conway Mill

Conway Mill in west Belfast is in line for a facelift after the British government agreed to significant extra investment, the MP for the area said tonight.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was speaking after meeting Northern Ireland Office Minister Maria Eagle to press for progress on recommendations to improve the city’s economy.

The Economic Taskforce was published in 2002 and gained cross-community support in the devolved Assembly but a flagship proposal for Conway Mill’s overhaul has stalled.

Mr Adams said: “While some progress has been made in the implementation of the report there have delays particularly in respect of funding for flagship projects like Conway Mill.

“However, after this evening’s meeting I am very hopeful that significant investment will be made into Conway Mill in the near future.

“We also made progress in our discussions on a number of other important project, including the Gaeltacht Quarter.”

The Mill is a landmark arts centre off the Falls Road.

Mr Adams was accompanied by a number of west Belfast public representatives and community workers.

“Our discussions with the Minister about the introduction of an Irish Language Act were also productive,” he added.

“Sinn Féin has consistently raised this issue with the British government and at St Andrews (power-sharing talks) the British government committed itself to introduce an Irish Language Act.