Councils invited to submit updated priorities to Dublin and Belfast

Officials from both administrations, meanwhile, will meet imminently to discuss higher education provision in Derry and Donegal.

These issues - alongside enhanced rail connectivity and the multi-million pound A5 road project - were among the main items on the agenda at the most recent meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, who attended the meeting with the First Minister Arlene Foster and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, said major commitments under the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ deal were a talking point.

Speaking in the Assembly this week she said the ministers had noted “the commitment of both Administrations to the delivery of the A5 western transport corridor and that the next steps for the project would be informed by the interim report from the public inquiry.”

She further revealed that the contract for a proposed review of the all-Ireland rail network and a feasibility study for a high speed link from Derry to Cork via Belfast, Dublin and Limerick is likely to go out to tender within weeks.

“Ministers welcomed the strategic approach that is being taken to the review of the rail network across both jurisdictions and the engagement that has taken place on the development of the terms of reference for the review, with a view to launching the tender process in the first quarter of 2021,” she said.

The expansion of university delivery in Derry was also on the table.

Ms. O’Neill stated: “Ministers noted that senior officials from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department for the Economy will meet early in the new year to discuss higher education provision in the north-west region.”

Both local authorities in the north west have been invited to submit ‘updated’ priorities to Dublin and Stormont.

“Ministers invited Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council to develop a statement of updated strategic priorities for the north-west region to inform the ongoing engagement of both Administrations with the north-west strategic growth partnership,” she explained.

Foyle MLA Martina Anderson said ‘the A5, the expansion of Magee, rail connectivity, the A2 and tourism projects’ are key to rebalancing regional inequalities.

Ms. O’Neill replied: “Both Governments remain committed to the A5 western transport corridor scheme, and the Irish Government continue to reaffirm their £75 million commitment to the project.”

She added: “I am aware that Minister Mallon and her officials are looking at this as we speak.

“As you know, the scheme has been a priority for us for a considerable time, and I really hope to see progress being made.

“The Member referenced high-speed rail connectivity, and, particularly in the context of ‘New Decade, New Approach’, the Irish Government have noted their support for serious and detailed joint consideration through the feasibility study of the high-speed rail connection from Derry to Belfast and Dublin to Cork.

“I look forward to seeing that being progressed even more.”