New economic chapter is opening for Derry - Economy Minister claims
Speaking as keynote speaker at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Annual Lunch, Economy Minister Conor Murphy set out the economic proposition emerging in the North West
A new economic chapter is opening up for Derry and the north west, it has been claimed.
In a speech given today at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Annual Lunch, Economy Minister Conor Murphy set out the economic proposition emerging in the north west.
The components of that proposition include the establishment of the UU Magee Taskforce, the development of local economic plans, better support for start-ups, faster progress of City and Growth Deals, moves towards the long-term sustainability of the City of Derry Airport, and growing tourism.
The lunch gathered over 200 business leaders, political representatives, members of the media, and invited guests from across the North West and Northern Ireland.
Following the Minister’s keynote address was a panel discussion between Tourism NI CEO Ellvena Graham OBE and Derry City and Strabane District Council Head of Culture Aeidin McCarter on Derry’s position as a world class tourism and culture destination and how the region can further develop that image.
In his address, Derry Chamber President Greg McCann welcomed the return of the institutions and touched upon the wave of optimism now found among Derry Chamber members that long-needed regional development would finally be delivered upon.
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy said: “This is a time of economic opportunity as a result of political stability, dual market access, growing north-south collaboration, and new leadership within Invest NI. Within this positive context a compelling economic proposition is emerging in the North West.
“Local economic plans are being developed, giving the people who live and work here greater control over their economic future. Support is improving for start-ups and local SMEs. I have established the UU Magee Taskforce to develop and oversee a plan to reach 10,000 students at the UU campus in Derry.
"This will be a key economic driver for the region. My Department is now working at pace to progress the £250million North West City and Growth Deal, which will boost cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and tourism.
"In conjunction with the Infrastructure Minister we are also working to secure the long-term sustainability of the City of Derry Airport.
“We are well positioned to improve economic performance across the north and particularly in Derry. I look forward to working with the Chamber to deliver as much as possible in the three years left of the mandate.”
Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President Greg McCann said: “Today’s lunch served as a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit in the North West’s business community, which has persevered through tough times.
"The presence of the Minister for the Economy and other political representatives have served to bolster the optimism that has already been felt in the region following the resumption of business in the Assembly and the Executive.
“There is now a feeling among Derry Chamber members that Derry and the North West is getting the attention it has needed in order to deliver upon the regional balance we have long needed.
"Measures to be taken such as the provision of 10,000 university places and the recently announced redevelopment of the Riverfront/Strand Road area mean that our city will soon be undergoing exciting, transformational change.
“The recent announcement that funding for the Derry City and Strabane City Deal has been boosted is another welcome boon to our local economy and we look forward to working with Minister Murphy and his colleagues in the Executive to deliver upon the regional development agenda.
Hubert O’Donoghue, Vice President, General Manager, AIB Merchant Services, added: “AIB Merchant Services are delighted to support Derry Chamber of Commerce. Its membership is the heart beat of the economy of the North West region and vital to our business.
"Every day as members open their stores and offices and deliver goods and services to the people of this region they partner with us and avail of business and payments solutions to support what they do. We thank the Chamber and its members for their partnership and wish them continued success.”