SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed a commitment to skills investment in the North West in the Draft Programme for Government produced as a result of government formation talks in Dublin.
The Foyle MP said that this must be a moment where government, North and South, commits to addressing the failure to invest in North West communities.
Said Mr Eastwood: “The Draft Programme for Government published today makes significant commitments to cross border cooperation and investment.
“I am particularly glad to see a commitment to invest in skills in border communities, taking advantage of our plans to expand university provision in Derry.
“I have written to both Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar about the need to maximise cross-border cooperation on skills and higher education to transform our economy and provide people with the opportunity to build a life for themselves here.
“This is a moment for government, North and South, to commit to delivering on the untapped potential of the North West and to send a clear message to people here that they will not be forgotten.
“The SDLP is working hard to secure commitments that will see the medical school delivered and expansion beyond that.
“We’re ambitious for Derry and we’re determined to see the potential of the North West met.”
