“A compelling economic proposition is emerging in the north west,” Stormont’s economy minister told a large business delegation in Derry on Thursday.
Conor Murphy addressed the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Annual Lunch at the City Hotel just days after announcing a new taskforce to explore the expansion of Ulster University’s Magee campus.
“This is a time of economic opportunity as a result of political stability, dual market access, growing north-south collaboration, and new leadership within Invest NI,” he said.
“Within this positive context a compelling economic proposition is emerging in the north west.
“Local economic plans are being developed, giving the people who live and work here greater control over their economic future.”
Mr Murphy said his department was “working at pace” to progress the £250 million Derry and Strabane City Deal.
The Sinn Féin minister also said he was working with Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to secure the long-term sustainability of City of Derry Airport.
“We are well positioned to improve economic performance across the north and particularly in Derry,” he added.
Speaking on Thursday, Derry Chamber President Greg McCann said: “There is now a feeling among Derry Chamber members that Derry and the north west is getting the attention it has needed in order to deliver upon the regional balance we have long needed.
“Measures to be taken such as the provision of 10,000 university places and the recently announced redevelopment of the Riverfront/Strand Road area mean that our city will soon be undergoing exciting, transformational change.”
