Magee campus at the Ulster University in Derry
Said the Foyle MLA: “The findings of the Magee Taskforce Report presents a very clear set of asks to the Economy Minister and the wider Executive.
“As the taskforce continues its work, it is now incumbent on the Minister to go to his Executive colleagues, answer those requests and finally get serious about expanding university provision in Derry.
“It’s more important than ever that we see a focus on getting Magee to 10,000 students at a minimum, particularly after the disappointing language in the Programme for Government.
“We have been waiting sixty years for a properly resourced university to be delivered. It should have been delivered long before now.
“The people of our city and region are not prepared to wait any longer, nor should they be expected to.
“Minister Murphy similarly does not need to wait for the next phase of the taskforce’s work before getting on with the job at hand and responding to the gauntlet that the taskforce has laid down on this issue.
“The department must now evidence in its financial planning how it will fund the expansion of our Magee campus and work with other departments to provide the student accommodation necessary to meet demand.
“I look forward to seeing clear evidence from each of the other departments referenced in this report, including health and finance, who each now have clear responsibilities to undertake.
“Every step of the way I will be pressing the Executive parties and Minister Murphy in particular to live up to their responsibilities.
“Expanding higher education in the North West is a key lever to raise economic productivity and reduce inactivity across the North by investing in a city with huge potential.
“It is fundamental to the future of our economy and addressing regional inequalities.
“The first steps have been made clear on the task ahead and the Minister and his Executive colleagues must now demonstrate the political will that has been lacking for far too long and get on with the job.”
