Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin met with the DEL Minister Stephen Farry today to discuss the future of Magee University.
The Foyle MLA said: “Following my meeting with the DEL minister today I am delighted to be able to confirm the £11m investment in the Teaching Block at Magee will go ahead in the June Monitoring Round.
“I also take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of new Vice-Chancellor Paddy Nixon. I look forward to hearing how he intends advancing the Magee expansion plans.
“I note the additional allocation in the 2015/’16 budget to DEL and hope the minister uses this to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment in relation to the Magee expansion.
“A key commitment is to develop the ‘One Plan’ for the regeneration of Derry. Magee expansion is a critical catalyst project within that plan.
“So let’s clear up any confusion! There is a commitment to the One Plan – this is the same commitment we applied to City of Culture, Foyle Valley Gateway, Brandywell and early intervention city status.
“With the One Plan there are clear targets for Magee. The final business case is now with the DEL Minister. It makes a very strong policy case for the expansion in terms of the PFG, economic strategy, regional development strategy and DEL skills strategy.
“Importantly the case details a GVA target of £40m across the north and £28m in Derry.
“It is critical the DEL Minister backs this business case and agrees the expansion of Magee as a departmental priority.”
Tags:
