The proposed V&A development is being used as an excuse to exclude Dundee from other major investment, a city-based MSP has claimed.
Labour’s Jenny Marra said that, while the commitment to bring the massive development to the Tay was welcome, it had come at a cost to other projects. She made the claim during a Holyrood debate.
Ms Marra said: “When I raise jobs for Dundee, (Finance Secretary) John Swinney tells me in this chamber that Dundee is getting the V&A.
“When I raise access to music tuition in Dundee, (Culture Minister) Fiona Hyslop tells me that Dundee is getting the V&A.
“I hope that… the Sports Minister (Shona Robison) will agree with me and many people in our city that, as wonderful as the V&A project will be for our city, it is not enough to address a long-term lack of investment in our city.”
Dundee City East SNP MSP Ms Robison disputed the claims during a later speech to the chamber.
She said: “I highlight the new multi-million-pound Olympia leisure centre, which is about to open and has competition-quality swimming facilities, the new world-class gymnastics centre, the new hockey pitches and 3G pitches at the Dundee international sports complex, and the new outdoor velodrome in Caird Park, to name but a few of the new facilities.”