In what has been a jam-packed week in politics, which has seen the Northern Ireland Executive release its draft Programme for Government; the publication of the first report from the Ulster University Magee Taskforce; and Economy Minister Conor Murphy’s Three-Year Forward Look and 2024/25 Action Plan; proper and fair investment in the North West is clearly on the agenda of our political leaders.

As outlined in New Decade New Approach, the Northern Ireland Executive has stated in its Programme for Government that it will continue to implement the commitment to expand Ulster University’s Magee Campus so that it can accommodate 10,000 students. The commitment details that the Magee Taskforce will develop and oversee an action plan for campus expansion, set to be published before the end of this year.

An interim report has been published by the Magee Taskforce this week, which states that the expansion of the Derry~Londonderry campus to 10,000 students is possible within the next eight years. The opportunity to increase our local student population to 10,000 by 2032, and the huge potential that this brings with it for our region, presents an extraordinary prospect to truly transform the North West.

The report also stated that it will require “sustained direct interventions” from Stormont, Ulster University, Derry and Strabane council, and the UK and Irish Governments, as well as the private sector, to invest the £700 million required. Members can be assured that Derry Chamber will continue to be both a staunch advocate for, and a vocal supporter of, the Magee campus expansion.

Magee Taskforce Chair Stephen Kelly and Economy Minister Conor Murphy

The Programme for Government has also committed to boosting tourism’s subregional impact through a Tourism Strategic Action Plan that will showcase Northern Ireland as a great place to visit, generating sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The North West is a unique and attractive first-class tourism destination, and the decision for an inclusive and subregional tourism plan is one that is very much welcomed.

The Executive has also made a commitment to work with Councils and local partners to deliver a Sub-Regional Economic Action Plan, which will include providing increased support for entrepreneurs. It is crucial that our local entrepreneurs are sufficiently supported so that their business can thrive and flourish despite the tough economic climate in which they operate.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy MLA in his Three-Year Forward Look and 2024/25 Action Plan has also made multiple commitments to achieving regional balance, remarking that when viewed at the sub-regional level economic disparities can be pronounced, and recognised how the North West is lagging significantly behind the average on a number of key economic indicators.

It is of crucial importance that regional balance is achieved and the North West receive fair and adequate investment. We at the Chamber welcome the Minister’s commitment to this and look forward to working closely with all of our political leaders and representatives to ensure that the North West remains a key feature in our governments political agenda.