Was multi-million pound investment in NI town centres worth it?

One hundred and sixty million pounds spent on doing up town centres since the economic downturn began.

The works, known as public realm schemes, often involve installing natural stone paving, new lighting, new benches, bins and trees.

The idea is to get people to spend more by making towns and cities more attractive places. But is it value for money and worth the hassle?

The works in a number of towns have caused a lot of frustration for shoppers and traders by over-running schedules and coming in over budget.

Commentator Brendan Mulgrew and Political Director of the Taxpayers Alliance - Dia Chakravarty