Invest NI criticised for job losses

CCC Technology's west Belfast plant closed on Wednesday

Northern Ireland's main investment body has been criticised following the loss of 30 jobs in west Belfast.

Invest Northern Ireland's predecessor, the Industrial Development Board, had allocated more than £1.5m in grants to CCC Technologies which closed down on Wednesday.

Sinn Fein councillor Michael Ferguson said Invest Northern Ireland should have done more to secure the jobs after such a large investment.

"There was a rumour recently that there were problems, but to simply close the doors at midday and liquidate the company is outrageous," he said.

"It's a disgrace that workers were treated in this way, and it's ridiculous that Invest NI weren't in there doing something about it and monitoring the public spend."

The agency's role is to attract foreign investors and encouraging local business start-ups and expansion.