Senior economist Richard Ramsey will discuss the future of the local and regional economy at a free seminar in Omagh tomorrow (Wednesday).

Hosted by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC), the event is expected to hear how the Northern Ireland economy is expected to lag behind the Republic of Ireland and the UK in 2016.

The event is being held in The Lecture Theatre, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm tomorrow (Wednesday February 10). 

A spokeswoman from FODC stated: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is hosting a free and informative seminar on the Future of the Local and Regional Economy.

"The guest speaker at the event is the Ulster Bank’s Senior Economist, Richard Ramsey who has a wealth of experience in the field of economics and who provides analysis and commentary on all aspects of the Northern Ireland economy including financial markets."

Speaking about the event, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Thomas O’Reilly said that the aim of the seminar was to give a comprehensive overview of the economy, reflect on the unprecedented change in the global, regional and local economy and consider how the economy and business could be stimulated and grown into the future.

Councillor O’Reilly said that he and the Council were delighted that such a prestigious speaker as Mr. Ramsey was to address the event saying

“The Council greatly appreciates having Mr. Ramsey speak at this seminar and I know that with his understanding of the fluctuating economy he will provide an in-depth analysis of the current economic climate which will be of tremendous benefit to local businesses.

"Our SMEs are an important sector of the local economy and they have shown tremendous resilience in sustaining their business and providing much needed employment in our area. The Council recognises that SMEs are the lifeblood of our region and the programme of events scheduled throughout the year will offer expert guidance and advice as the district emerges from the economic recession and prepares for its economic future”.

The Chairman also highlighted the next significant event in the programme, which is the Council’s first ever Enterprise Week which will run from Monday February 29 to Friday March 4, 2016.

“I am particularly delighted that the Council has had the foresight to arrange its first ever Enterprise Week and I can assure the local business community that there will be a wide range of practical and valuable events during the week which will provide an array of information relevant to our local business needs,” he said.

Further details on Enterprise Week and the other events programmed will be published in the coming weeks.