Plans For L'Derry Medical School Delayed

Plans to open a graduate medical school in L'Derry have stalled yet again.

Ulster University had hoped to recruit medical students to begin studying there in 2020, however the absence of a Health Minister has delayed funding support.

The news is the latest setback for the project which was initially planned to open in 2019.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood hit out at the ongoing political deadlock, which he believes is depriving the city of vital investment.

The Foyle Westminster candidate said local people are paying the price for failures to compromise and form a government.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended since January 2017.

Mr Eastwood commented: "This investment is vital for Derry. The expansion of our university is a critical part of our plans to attract new investment, give our young people the opportunity to live and work here and transform this city.

"People in Derry are being forced to pay the price for the failure of the DUP and Sinn Féin to reach a compromise, form a government and deliver the radical change that we need. The SDLP has made bold proposals for the reform of the petition of concern that would allow the remaining contentious issues to be voted on in the Assembly without the threat of veto.

"The SDLP is prepared to put the priorities of people in Derry and across the North first. Our primary interest is in delivering better opportunities for everyone in our community. Those continuing to delay delivery for this city need to explain themselves."

Sinn Fein's Elisha McCallion plans to raise the issue with Secretary of State Julian Smith.

The MP, who is standing for reelection next month, said the medical school is "much needed" and must go ahead.

"I will be raising the medical school directly with British Secretary of State to reiterate our position that this much-needed project can and must be given the green light," she said.



(JG/MH)