Magee campus at the Ulster University in Derry
The Foyle MP said that the Department for the Economy and Ulster University must show the same commitment to Derry as the Belfast campus.
He said: “Throughout the negotiations that led to the New Decade, New Approach document, the SDLP pressed the British and Irish Governments to include a specific commitment to the expansion of Magee to 10,000 places and a ring fenced allocation of resource for the Medical School.
“In spite of the funding gaps that exist in the document for other projects, we successfully secured £60m for university expansion and an Executive commitment to 10,000 students.
“We have delivered this additional resource which will enhance the package secured through the City Deal and the Inclusive Future Fund.
“Yet the tone of the discussion since the publication of those commitments has been less than enthusiastic.
“It’s time for the Department for the Economy and Ulster University to adopt a new approach to this project that reflects the passion of people to get this over the line.
“It would not be acceptable, for example, for the Department to shore up the Belfast campus with a loan of £126m while Derry has been waiting for over 50 years for our university.
“Ulster University should also demonstrate good faith by relocating its Allied Health courses to Derry as a clear sign that we will be the hub for new developments in medical training.
“We cannot reshape the economy of the North West without a seismic intervention on skills.
“That means committing to university expansion, creating courses that match the needs of new industries and working with the Irish Government to develop a cross border approach with Letterkenny.
“The political commitments have been secured. It’s now time to deliver on our promise to a new generation,” added Mr Eastwood.
