The initiatives facilitated by this agreement aim to improve infrastructure through the expansion of transportation networks, generate job prospects and advance the skills of the community workforce.
With an expected £36 million in funding from the UK Government and an equal amount from the NI Executive, alongside contributions from other partners, this deal is designed to steer the future course of the region. The official signing of the Growth Deal Heads of Terms agreement marks a notable milestone in propelling the economy of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough forward.
This morning, leaders and officials gathered at Ulster University's Coleraine Campus to celebrate efforts for sustainable growth. Key attendees included the First Minister, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the Finance Minister, emphasising the importance of this occasion for our community.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Steven Callaghan stated: "Today's event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort which began all the way back in 2019. Many institutions and individuals have contributed towards the development of a package of projects which represents the single largest Government investment in the Causeway Coast and Glens region.
"This Growth Deal also demonstrates Council’s commitment to collaborative working. Through a programme of regeneration, we aim to transform our tourism offering and address some of our infrastructural challenges. Our Deal’s innovative projects will bring new industry to our Borough, providing high-skilled, high-paid employment opportunities for our young people. This is just the beginning of our journey, and I would like to personally thank all of our delivery and funding partners for helping us get to this stage."
-- Advertisement --
First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA said it was a great opportunity to showcase the City and Growth Deals initiative. She added: "This is one of four deals covering the whole of the north with £1.3 billion capital investment over the next 10-20 years. Our four City and Growth Deals have the potential to increase the number of good jobs, promote regional balance and raise productivity which is the driver of improving living standards.
"The deals are helping to create a more dynamic and competitive economy here. Importantly, the deals will have a positive impact on the quality of life for so many including our young people, our businesses, and the many visitors who flock to the Causeway Coast and Glens."
Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA reaffirmed the Executive’s support for the City and Growth Deals initiative. She said: "The projects that will be delivered through this deal will help improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities and upskill the local labour force. The increase in key transport links will also attract more visitors to this beautiful area, creating even more opportunities for economic activity and further positioning Causeway Coast and Glens as a ‘go to’ area for business and tourism. This multi-million pound investment is a great example of government, business and academia working together to tackle issues and make a real difference."
Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said he was honoured to sign the Heads of Terms document, adding: "This Deal has the potential to provide further economic benefit, innovation and more employment for this fantastic region. I hope it can take us one step further to Northern Ireland being the best place in the world to invest.
"The UK Government is committed to ensuring this area thrives, which is why we are investing £36 million to support projects which build on the region’s digital and innovation capabilities.
"This will see projects such as the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery at Ulster University in Coleraine, the Business Innovation and Incubation Hub at Atlantic Link and the Innovation Hub at North West Regional College all benefit from this investment and bring exciting economic opportunities to the region and Northern Ireland as a whole."
Minister of Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA described the signing of the Heads of Terms document as 'a significant milestone'. She added: "Growing up in Coleraine, and now calling the area home, I know the positive impact this funding will have. The substantial injection of £100million into the Causeway Coast and Glens region is a game-changer for the area.
"The exciting and transformative projects that make up the Growth Deal will shape infrastructure, create job opportunities and further increase the skills base. The Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal will produce a legacy for generations to come from Cushendall in the east right across the Borough to Dungiven in the west, the benefits will be felt right across the region."
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University said: "The Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal represents an opportunity for transformation for the Coleraine and North Coast area. It is a tremendous opportunity for us all to take the next step, driving forward the innovative ideas that will deliver economic growth for this incredible region. As a strategic partner, we are delighted to host this important event at Ulster University Coleraine, marking this important milestone in the Growth Deal process.
"Ulster University will work collaboratively with the Council and other stakeholders to deliver innovation projects and continue to develop a pipeline of talented and innovative graduates, both of which will play a significant role in the development of this region."
