University of Ulster chiefs are due to meet with Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry today to discuss his decision to take the expansion of the Magee campus in Derry “off the table.”
Despite the decision being widely criticised, Mr Farry is expected to “stick to his guns.”
The president of Derry Chamber of Commerce, has been the latest to hit out at the move.
Stating he was “disappointed” by Mr Farrys’ comments, Gerry Kindlon said the expansion of the Magee campus was the “single most important initiative” for the regeneration of the economy of Derry.
He added: “It is absolutely obvious that more needs to be done to improve the economy ofour city.
“We have the highest unemployment rate not just in NorthernIreland, but in the whole of the UK.
“The only economic initiative that has been proposed that would do much about the unemployment problem in our city is the expansion of Magee.
Chamber president Gerry Kindlon.
“That would create the skills needed for our local businesses to expand and would provide adirect economic stimulus through the spend of students and their families andin the construction phase of new building work.”
Mr Kindlon said “this obvious truth” was made “crystal clear” in the One Plan for the city.
He added:”Political representatives need to ensure that thevision they signed-up to becomes a reality as a matter of urgency.
“We call on all our political representatives and all the political parties to work together to achieve the expansion of Magee.
“Our city has already waited far too long for Magee to achieve the size and status that our city needs.”
Mr Kindlon concluded: “It is only by our political representatives working together, across party lines, that this long-held ambition can be achieved.”
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