Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA visited the North West this afternoon to meet with members of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. A Chamber delegation, led by President Redmond McFadden, discussed a range of issues including the expansion of Magee, Medical School, Business Rates, City Deal, skills and support for businesses in the North West.

The Minister last week confirmed he is to recommend the Executive approves £105m in further funding for the Derry and Strabane City Deal. The UK Government announced £105m for the City Deal in May 2019. The Minister said his Department will table a paper to the Executive seeking to match the funding.

President of the Chamber, Redmond McFadden said: “I was pleased to welcome Finance Minister Conor Murphy to the North West this afternoon. We discussed a host of issues affecting our members including rising business rates, Brexit, the City Deal, and his department’s work to encourage economic growth across the North West.

“Mr Murphy’s announcement last week that he is to table a paper to the Executive seeking to match funding already committed by the UK Government for the Derry and Strabane City Deal is excellent news for the region. The City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund comprise a £105m investment in the North West which means economic growth and innovation, more well-paid and secure jobs, and will ultimately help to address years of regional imbalance.

“The ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement makes several commitments to the North West including infrastructure improvements, the establishment of a new Graduate Entry Medical School, the expansion of Magee, and other initiatives which will boost the local economy. Engagements like today’s with Executive ministers are crucial in ensuring these commitments are followed through on swiftly and prove the Executive’s commitment to the North West. I thank Mr Murphy for visiting the city this afternoon and I look forward to future engagements with him and his department to help make the North West a more attractive and vibrant place to live, work and do business.”