Finance Minister backs an additional £105m to match Derry’s City Deal

Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy, Michelle O'Neill and Martina Anderson (Picture: Declan Roughlan, Press Eye)

Minister Murphy said, in response to a query from Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson, that he would be recommending that the NI Executive provide the much needed money which would trigger major projects such as the Medical School, and other cutting edge Ulster University science and technology projects.

The plan is that the Medical School and other new Magee facilities will take over the prime riverside site currently occupied by the Council offices on Strand Road, with Council staff moving to an as yet unspecified location in the Foyle Street/ Waterloo Place area.

The Minister’s endorsement is a major step forward for the ambitious projects, with the Council also hopeful of providing another £50m itself on top of the £210m Derry & Strabane is now expected to secure. It is also hoped that the long awaited new Templemore Sports Complex will form part of the wider City Deal project.

The Council offices are expected to move to make way for the MEdical School and other new Magee infrastructure along the Foyle. (Image: Ulster University)

Derry is expecting to get a combined total of £105 for a City Deal and the Inclusive Future Fund from central government in London.

Foyle MLA Ms Anderson welcomed the Finance Minister’s support.

Ms Anderson said that the Minister has revealed he will soon be bringing the matter before the Executive.

She said: “Together, The City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund represent a £105 million investment in the North West which will provide a major and much-needed economic boost to the entire region, helping us to create and sustain well-paying jobs and opportunities.

“Derry’s City Deal was always contingent on the Executive match funding the British Government’s contribution, but the Executive must also decide whether to take a similar approach to the Future Fund.

“Therefore, I very much welcome that Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy has now confirmed in an Assembly answer to me that he supports match-funding both and will shortly be bringing the matter to the Executive.”

Ms Anderson added: “That is another example of the positive approach that Sinn Féin takes to government, helping to deliver investment, regeneration and opportunity where it is needed.”