Derry Chamber is delighted to welcome a series of exciting announcements that mark a significant boost for the North West’s economy, heritage, and innovation landscape.

Firstly, Derry has received over £2m in National Lottery Heritage funding, supporting seven landmark projects across the city. These include the restoration of Austins and St Columb’s Hall – two iconic buildings at the heart of our city, as well as investment in Ulster University’s Conflict Archive, St Augustine’s Church, and the new DNA Maritime Museum. With the potential for this National Lottery funding package to rise to more than £10m, this represents a transformational moment for heritage-led regeneration in the North West.

In the business sector, Seagate Technology has announced a £115m investment at its Springtown plant, which has been supported with £15m of funding from Invest NI, creating 30 new jobs and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the North West. This world-class facility, which already employs 1,500 people, will use the funding to drive cutting-edge research and development in hard drive technology, underlining the North West’s important role in the global technology market.

Fergus O’Donnell, Vice President at Seagate, said the investment would “drive opportunity” and strengthen both regional and global leadership in technology and manufacturing excellence. The announcement was welcomed by political leaders including the First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, who praised Seagate’s commitment to innovation and its contribution to the North West’s economy.

At the Seagate announcement with Kieran Donoghue (Invest NI), John Morris (CTO, Seagate), First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Fergus O’Donnell (Wafer Operations NI), and Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald.

Adding further momentum to the North West’s innovation credentials, the Atlantic Technological University has officially launched the €8.46m Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre in Letterkenny. Backed by PEACEPLUS funding and delivered in partnership with Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute and Seagate, SPEAR will train the next generation of PhD researchers in photonics and AI.

SPEAR will not only deliver cutting-edge research and training but will also establish an Innovation Fund to support R&D across at least nine regional SMEs and also embed advanced technology capabilities into the regional economy supporting enterprise growth, workforce upskilling, and cross-border cooperation.

Speaking on the developments, Derry Chamber CEO, Anna Doherty, said:

“These announcements reflect the strength and ambition of our region. From heritage regeneration to cutting-edge technology investment, Derry and the wider North West region are proving themselves as a place where enterprise and culture flourishes, and where innovation and opportunity go hand in hand. Together, these projects highlight the North West as a region ready to embrace the future with confidence.”

With momentum building across multiple sectors, the North West is entering a period of growth that will strengthen its position as a vibrant, competitive, and ambitious place to live, work, and invest in.

€8.46 Million Semiconductor Research Facility Opens in Letterkenny