The expansion of the University of Ulster in Derry needs to be delivered for the economic development of city, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said.
Mr McGuinness was speaking after meeting with the Derry Chamber of Commerce to discuss the future expansion of the Magee’s campus.
Describing the meeting, as “helpful,” he said: “I accepted an invitation from chief executive of the Derry Chamber of Commerce Sinead McLaughlin to discuss the future expansion of the Magee campus in Derry.
“There is no doubt that the future economic development of the city is connected with the expansion of Magee campus so it is essential that we work together to see that expansion delivered.
“In 2009 I attended an event where the University of Ulster announced plans of a financial strategy to invest £250m over 25 years for the expansion of the university on the Magee Campus.
“In 2011 we seen another announcement of 350 extra places and the transfer of several departments to the campus but since then the development has stalled.”
Mr McGuinness said he also intended raise with Department of Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry his recent “mixed messages” about the future plans for Magee.
Mr McGuinness concluded: “The expansion of Magee is a crucial part of the One Plan which is a programme for Government commitment and I am determined to see it delivered.”
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