McLaughlin welcomes progress on NW Gateway Initiative

Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin has welcomed a cross-border meeting of ministers to make progress on the North West Gateway Initiative. 

The Initiative is designed to encourage economic growth in the Derry, Strabane, Limavady and Donegal areas, all of which have suffered from chronic underinvestment in the past. 

Ms McLaughlin (pictured above) said the Initiative was “vital” to the economic regeneration of the wider north west region. 

She added: "I asked the Deputy First Minister for an update in the progress of the initiative and he has now confirmed that it has been discussed at a recent North South Initiative meeting in Belfast. 

"Following discussions between Martin McGuinness, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan TD and Minister Sean Sherlock TD, departmental officials from North and South have been meeting to discuss the views expressed by stakeholders on the way forward for the North West Gateway Initiative. 

"Officials have also met the chief executives of the new Derry and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council. 

"A meeting between ministers from north and south to decide how the North West Gateway Initiative will proceed is now being planned for May.”

Ms McLaughlin concluded "This is welcome progress for an essential component of the regeneration of the North West."