Belfast City Deal Partners Welcome Derry & Strabane Deal

The Belfast Region City Deal partners have welcomed the announcement of a £50m City Deal for Derry and Strabane.

The investment will support innovation in the district's digital sector and a further £55m will be allocated to an Inclusive Future Fund for the region.

Speaking on behalf of the Belfast Region City Deal partners, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Hargey said: "This announcement of a second City Deal for the North is very welcome indeed. It will provide a significant boost for the North West's economy, creating jobs and supporting projects designed to tackle deprivation and develop young people's skills.

"The Belfast Region City Deal partners look forward to collaborating with our north west colleagues, as the combined investment will result in mutual benefits for the Belfast Region and the North West; strengthening our ability to work together to attract further investment, improve quality of life and opportunities for people living and working here.

"Our experience shows that collaboration and co-investment is the way forward – and it's an exciting time for inclusive regeneration here."

The UK Government announced the funding package yesterday, Tuesday 07 May.

The resourcing of the deal will be addressed at a meeting of the British Irish Council today, Wednesday 08, according to a Sinn Fein MP.

Elisha McCallion said the governments must ensure the plan is given adequate support. She commented: "The funding package announced by the British government today represents a good start to address the needs of Derry and the wider north west city region but it needs to go further if the region is to reach its potential. 

"We need to see the Irish government stepping up and providing a similar commitment, particularly in terms of key infrastructural projects. 

"On Wednesday I will also be convening a meeting of key stakeholders from across the city with officials from the civil service in the north to push for the match funding required to take the economy of the north west forward and create new opportunities for our young people."



(JG/CM)