Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy
Cllr Duffy, who chairs the North West Regional Development Group (NWRDG), added that the backing of the administrations in Belfast and Dublin would be vital in enabling local young people to complete their studies near home.
Said Cllr Duffy: “At the most recent meeting of the NWRDG, members received an update from the Ulster University, North West Regional College, Letterkenny Institute of Technology and Donegal Educational and Training Board.
“They presented the North West Region as an innovative model for cross-border co-operation, outlined the opportunities for mobility of students across the organisations and the drive to ensure students remain in Derry and Donegal to continue their studies.
“I have now written to Ministers Simon Harris and Diane Dodds to outline the NWRDG’s full support for this collaboration and to seek a reliable funding stream for this important partnership.
“Support from the two administrations is vital to ensure our young people can remain in the north west region to continue their studies.”
The North West Gateway Initiative involves both Councils and is part of the work programme of the North South Ministerial Council.
At a strategic level the model comprises the North West Strategic Growth Partnership (NWSGP) which is chaired by the Mayor and Cathaoirleach of both Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council and representatives from the key Government Departments, North and South.
The work and discussions of the strategic partnership is informed and acted upon by the North West Regional Development Group (NWRDG) – comprising six Elected Members and senior executive officers from both Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and Donegal County Council (DCC).
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