NW leaders at Stormont to launch Growth Plan and sign landmark Health Partnership

Senior government Ministers, civic leaders and key regional stakeholders gathered at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast this week for the official launch of the revised North West Strategic Growth Plan and the signing of a significant new cross-border Health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The high-profile event, hosted in the Long Gallery at Stormont, brought together First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, alongside An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais.

Their presence underlines the support for the continued development of the North West City Region as a key economic and social driver on the island of Ireland.

The event also brought together senior representatives from key partner organisations, including the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Health Service Executive, along with stakeholders across local government, education, business, and regional development, reflecting the breadth of collaboration underpinning the North West City Region approach.

Central to the event was the formal signing of the North West Health Memorandum of Understanding, involving senior leadership from the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Health Service Executive.

The agreement reinforces a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and service collaboration across the region, recognising the unique cross-border nature of the North West and the importance of joined-up provision for communities who live, work and access services across both jurisdictions.

The revised Strategic Growth Plan outlines an ambitious vision for a connected, thriving, competitive and sustainable North West City Region, encompassing Derry, Strabane, Letterkenny and the wider Donegal area.

It prioritises improved infrastructure and connectivity, enhanced skills and innovation and stronger health and wellbeing outcomes. It also reflects strengthened partnerships across education, business and public services, positioning the region as a key driver of balanced regional growth.

Speaking at the event, Donegal Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paul Canning said: “This is a significant milestone in the continued strengthening of cross-border cooperation between Donegal, Derry and Strabane. The North West City Region has long been defined by collaboration, and this event reaffirms that shared commitment to building a more resilient and prosperous future together.”

“The Strategic Growth Plan provides a clear and ambitious roadmap for the region, while the Health MOU acknowledges the practical realities faced by our communities and sets a strong foundation for more integrated service delivery. By working in partnership across local authorities, governments and key agencies, we are creating the conditions for sustainable growth and improved quality of life across the entire region.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais added: “This represents a powerful and practical demonstration of what can be achieved through sustained partnership working and a shared long-term vision for the North West. This region operates as a single economic and social area, and the launch of the Strategic Growth Plan recognises both the challenges and the significant opportunities that come with that reality.”

“The signing of this Health Memorandum of Understanding is particularly important. It reflects how our communities already live their lives across borders and sets out a clear commitment from our health partners to deliver more coordinated, accessible and effective services.”

The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John G McLaughlin said: “Our partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council remains central to the success of the North West City Region. Through joint planning, aligned investment and a coordinated approach to service delivery, we are demonstrating the value of cross-border collaboration in addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities.”

“The Strategic Growth Plan and Health MOU both reflect a maturing partnership that is focused on delivery, innovation and ensuring that our communities benefit from a more connected and integrated region.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The North West is a region of huge ambition, talent and opportunity with a proud track record of innovation and partnership. The launch of the revised Strategic Growth Plan reflects our shared ambition to build on these strengths and create new opportunities for people, communities and businesses across the region.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “I warmly welcome the launch of the revised North West Strategic Growth Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious framework to drive economic growth. While regional balance remains important, our goal must be to deliver genuine prosperity in every part of Northern Ireland. This plan represents a significant step forward in achieving that ambition.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I welcome the new partnership between the Western Trust and the Donegal Integrated Health Care Area. Addressing health inequalities has been a key focus for me as Minister, and this partnership makes it a strategic priority.”

“It aims to improve health outcomes for those in the North West and is consistent with my 'shift left' vision and recently published Neighbourhood Model of Health and Wellbeing, focusing on prevention and community-based care. I look forward to hearing about the partnership's progress in the coming months.”

The NW Strategic Growth Plan is available at: www.growderrystrabane.com