Sinn Féin’s Maeve McLaughlin has welcomed Universities Minister Stephen Farry’s clear statement of intent on expansion at Magee contained in an answer to a written question she posed to him.
The Minister said he would make a business case for expanding the Ulster University campus.
Maeve McLaughlin said:“I very much welcome Minister Farry’s clear statement of intent regarding future expansion at Magee Campus contained in an answer to a written question I posed to him.
“My question asked if the minister intended to bid for funding for Magee expansion in the next Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and I am very encouraged by his response.
“Minister Farry acknowledged that his Department was now in possession of the business plan for the expansion and that it is presently being assessed as to whether it meets guidelines for Expenditure, Appraisal and Evaluation.
“Mr Farry committed that if the business plan meets this criteria – and I have no reason to believe that it won’t – that he would proceed with a bid for funding the project in the next CSR.
“This is the most promising statement that the Minister has made to date and I believe it will be welcomed as progress by all of those campaigning for University expansion in Derry.”
Question to Minister Farry and his response.
- Q) To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning whether he intends to bid for funding for the expansion of Ulster University at Magee in the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
- A) You will know that a business case for the expansion of the Magee campus was submitted to my Department in December. The business case is currently being scrutinised to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Northern Ireland Guide to Expenditure Appraisal and Evaluation. If it does and we also obtain approval from the Department of Finance and Personnel, I would intend to submit a bid in the next Comprehensive Spending Review to secure funding for the expansion on a sustainable basis.
