Members of Derry and Strabane’s Strategic Growth Partnership met last week at St Columb’s Park House for the first quarterly meeting of 2025.
The partnership is a grouping of representatives from community, statutory and voluntary organisations leading on the implementation of the Strategic Growth Plan for Derry and Strabane, a shared, long-term vision to improve the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the Council area.
Mayor Barr began the meeting by paying tribute to the late Kenny McFarland, who had served as Co-Chair of the partnership for a number of years, and actively represented the Faughan DEA as Chair of the Local Growth Partnership for the area.
Cllr Barr acknowledged the many years that Kenny had dedicated to promoting good relations and celebrating culture within the local community, and said his loss would be widely felt.
The Mayor also took the opportunity to thank Pauline Campbell, Director with the Department for Communities, who steps away from her role as Co-Chair. Pauline has played a key role in the partnership since it was first formed in 2017, and her significant contribution over the years was acknowledged today.
During the meeting partners received a presentation from the President and Chief Executive of the Derry Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Fleming and Anna Doherty, on the Value Proposition of the North West, and future plans to promote investment and growth.
They also heard more about the Housing Investment Plan for N. Ireland, including a breakdown of local progress and future strategic priorities taking into account public finance challenges, with a report from Louise Clarke, Head of Place Shaping North at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Health was also a key focus, with a concerning report on tackling obesity from David Tumilty with the Public Health Agency.
Partners heard that a whole system approach to diet and healthy weight is needed to bring about real changes with buy in from local organisations to ensure it remains a priority for Derry and Strabane.
An update was provided on approaching milestones in the delivery of the Strategic Growth Plan, with work ongoing to deliver a Statement of Progress during 2025, and a Review of the Plan by the end of 2026, in line with the legislative framework set out by the Department for Communities.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Barr said: “Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to acknowledge the significant work to date and the dedication and insight of all our partners to this important process.
“We are seeing much positive progress, and that is taking into account some significant challenges, particularly over the past five years.
“With our City Deal plans progressing at pace, and continued commitment from all our partners, I look forward to the next phase of delivery and more positive results in line with our strategic objectives.”
You can find reports from today’s meeting and more information about the Strategic Growth Plan at: growderrystrabane.com
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