The Minister for Finance John O’Dowd was in Derry and Strabane this week as part of a highly informative visit to review the tangible progress being made on several projects as part of the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal.
Welcoming the Minister to the Council area, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh said the visit underscored the Executive’s commitment to driving inclusive economic growth and regenerating communities across the region through the ambitious City Deal initiatives.
He said: “I was delighted to welcome the Minister for Finance to meet with those involved in our City Deal projects and get an insight into the incredible strides we are making with them in both Derry and Strabane.
“This once in a lifetime investment will be truly transformative, laying the foundations for sustainable economic growth, creating new opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.
“We are deeply committed to continuing to work collaboratively with the Executive and all our partners to realise the full potential of these ambitious initiatives, ensuring a prosperous future for the entire North West.”
He added that the visit reiterated the Minister’s continued support for the projects and his commitment to unlocking economic potential, creating job opportunities, and fostering sustainable growth across the region.
During his visit the Minister met with City Deal Partners at the Guildhall where they discussed the strategic importance of the projects and the impact they will have across the region before taking a walk across the iconic Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square, where the Minister received an update on the progress of the innovative DNA (Derry North Atlantic) Museum Project and met with those involved in the Central Riverfront Project, before getting a comprehensive overview of how this vital initiative will totally reimagine the city’s waterfront and enhance its connectivity.
The Minister then travelled to Strabane to assess the considerable regeneration efforts underway to transform the town.
Mr O’Dowd was introduced to the location of the new Pedestrian Bridge and active travel project, a crucial element in enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable transport within the town before meeting with the City Deal Strabane Regeneration Partners to hear at first hand the excellent collaborative approach being taken to delivering impactful change, with a strong focus on social value and ensuring the £103m investment will see many benefits beyond the capital projects themselves.
The visit in Strabane continued with a tour of the Canal Basin site, where the Minister was briefed on the Public Realm and Site Enabling Works Project, a cornerstone of Strabane’s revitalisation plans.
The day concluded at the Alley Theatre Museum Services space, with valuable insights and comments provided by the Strabane Local Growth Partnership and the Strabane Business Improvement District (BID).
Finance Minister John O’Dowd said: “The Derry City and Strabane District Council City Deal brings together the strength and passion of all those involved and will help to unlock the true potential and success of the North West.
“The investment of over £300m support will be a catalyst for real change in the area and I know full well the significance of this funding injection to the people of the region.
“The positive momentum created by the Deal and wider investment will help to boost employment, increase productivity, and ultimately help to achieve the ultimate goal of regional balance.”
Oonagh McGillion Director of Legacy overseeing the City Deal projects said it was great to get an opportunity to visit several projects with the Minister and to let him see at first hand the momentum that is building in Derry and Strabane.
She said: “The City Deal projects, such as the DNA Museum and the Central Riverfront development, are more than bricks and mortar; they represent real opportunities to foster innovation, boost our tourism offering, and creating vibrant, accessible places for all.
“Strabane is on the cusp of undergoing a remarkable transformation, and the City Deal is a catalyst for this positive change. We are excited for the plans at the Canal Basin, coupled with the new pedestrian bridge and public realm enhancements, all of which will breathe new energy into the town centre, creating a more attractive and prosperous environment for residents and businesses alike.
“The collaboration that is front and centre of these projects is a testament of the commitment and passion of local partners.”
A spokesperson for the City Deal Partners – Ulster University, the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the North West Regional College said:
“As key delivery partners in the Derry~Londonderry and Strabane City Deal, we were delighted to get the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Finance and share details of the progress that is being made. We emphasised the strong collaborative working relationship that exists among all the partners and how we remain fully committed to working together to ensure these investments deliver lasting economic and social benefits for all.”
Aodhan Harkin, Chair of the Strabane Local Growth Partnership and Gillian Moss, of the Strabane Business Improvement District BID said: “The Strabane Local Growth Partnership and Strabane BID were delighted to meet with the Minister for Finance today and explain to him how important this investment is for the continued regeneration of Strabane town centre.
“The City Deal projects will directly contribute to increased footfall, supporting our local businesses, and creating a more attractive environment for both residents and visitors. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the Council and the Executive to maximise the positive impact of these projects and ensure Strabane flourishes.”
For more info on the Derry Strabane City Deal, visit: www.derrystrabane.com/citydeal
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