Simon Coveney reaffirms commitments to Derry and NW one year on from New Decade, New Approach

The document, which was the basis for the return of Stormont and a blueprint for future development in the north, was jointly launched in January 2020 by the then Tanaiste Mr Coveney and the then Secretary of State for NI Julian Smith.

In a message on Twitter, Mr Coveney said: “A lot has happened since, much of it difficult, but New Decade New Approach Agreement still remains best foundation for better governance in NI & continued cooperation North/South & East/West. Focus now should be on full implementation & building stronger relationships.”

When asked via the social media platform about the commitments specific to Derry and the north west contained within that document, Mr Coveney responded: “... we have not forgotten about Derry and the potential for the North West region. The Irish Govt will fully follow through on our commitments to #Derry in the NDNA agreement.”

His comments follow on from a meeting between Mr Coveney, current NI Secretary of State Brandon Lewis and the leaders of the DUP, SF, SDLP, Alliance Party to review the implementation of the New Decade, New Approach commitments.

The first Implementation Review Meeting of the New Decade, New Approach agreement was held by videoconference.

In a joint statement, they said: “On the anniversary of the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive, the participants discussed the progress that has been made over the past year by the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly and in the North/South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council.

“The participants also discussed the context of the unprecedented challenge for the entire Executive, as well as for the UK and Irish Governments, in responding to a global pandemic and both its public health and economic impacts.

“In light of these challenges, the participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring the sustainable and effective operation of all the devolved institutions to ensure that the interests of the people of Northern Ireland are served by their democratically elected leaders, and committed themselves to the ongoing implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.”

A year ago the Irish Government said it “recognised that the NW region is in particular need of strategic investment, and that there is a clear argument for further enhancing cross-border cooperation and connections, to the benefit of all”, and stated that it would examine restarting City of Derry to Dublin air route while pledging £75m towards the A5 dualling between Derry and Aughnacloy up to 2022.

Under its section within the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ document, it states: “The Irish Government welcomes the UK Government’s announcement to invest up to £105m in Derry and the North West through the Derry and Strabane City Deal and the Inclusive Future Fund.

“The Government is willing in principle to contribute to capital investment to support expanded provision at Magee Campus. We look forward to early discussion at the North South Ministerial Council on taking forward this coordinated investment in order to deliver this vital project.”

The Irish government also said at the time that it remains committed to supporting the NW Strategic Growth Partnership and the NW Development Fund, while continuing discussions through the NW Strategic Growth Partnership on employment and development projects, including the Foyle River Gardens initiatives.

“The Irish Government is committed to exploring opportunities for investment that will further support opportunities to bring greater economic prosperity and social benefits to the wider region.