Finance Minister and Economy Minister Dr have highlighted the
benefits of City and Growth deals during a visit to the North
Coast.
Speaking after a visit to Ulster University and North West
Regional College, Minister O'Dowd said: “I welcome the
opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact the Causeway
Coast and Glens Growth Deal is having driving innovation and
equipping the region with the skills it needs to thrive.
“The £110 million investment through the Growth Deal will
create high-quality jobs, help attract and retain talent, support
local businesses, and strengthen the regional economy.
“The Centre for Food & Drug Discovery at Ulster
University Coleraine will significantly expand research capacity
and industry collaboration to help bring new products to market;
while the Foodovation ™ and Skills Centre at the North West
Regional College Limavady will ensure the local food industry has
access to a highly skilled workforce and the expertise needed to
grow and scale their businesses.
“I have no doubt these projects will assist in local
economic growth, creating better opportunities for
everyone.”
Economy Minister, Dr added: “The
Causeway Coast & Glens Growth Deal is a real opportunity
to support and harness the talent in this region.
“Focusing on a number of my priority sectors, and with
innovation at their heart, the projects show the ambition of
everyone involved and the power of collaboration across industry,
academia and the public sector.
“The Centre for Food & Drug Discovery will offer
unique expertise and first-on-island platforms to support
scientific discovery across human and animal health, and
bioactives for agri-food. While the Foodovation ™
& Skills Centre will support food
and drink businesses with skills development, technical
assistance and expert advice to nurture their innovative food and
drink ideas from concept to creation.
“These are just two of the projects proposed as part of a
wider programme that will deliver real economic benefits for this
region and our wider economy.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor said: “On Behalf of
Council, I was delighted to welcome both Economy Minister Dr
and Finance Minister
to Causeway Coast and Glens
today.
“The planned Growth Deal projects showcased at Ulster University,
Coleraine and Northern West Regional College, Limavady
represent both cutting edge innovation and significant investment
in all of our futures.
“The Centre for Food and Drug Discovery at Ulster University
Coleraine will not only help develop new and advanced products,
but it will also create welcome job opportunities for residents
of our Council area; while the FoodovationTM & Skills
Centre based at NWRC Limavady will support the growth and
expansion of the region's already established artisan food
sector, helping to build a skilled workforce that enhances the
hospitality sector and promotes world-class cuisine.
“These initiatives, which form part of a planned £110 million
Growth Deal spend in Causeway Coast and Glens, will help aid
economic growth in our Council area and I look forward to seeing
these projects progress.”
Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at Ulster
University, said: “The Centre for Food and Drug Discovery is a
flagship innovation project for Ulster University and a
cornerstone of the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal. This
£22million investment will significantly expand our research and
innovation capacity in Coleraine, building on our strengths in
biomedical sciences and nutrition.
“As a one-stop-shop for industry collaboration, the Centre will
accelerate the development, testing and commercialisation of new
products to improve public health. It is an industry-facing,
research-led facility that responds directly to the strategic
needs of the life sciences sector, fostering partnerships that
drive economic growth, boost productivity and create a strong
pipeline of skills for Northern Ireland.”
Leo Murphy, Chief Executive and Principal of North West Regional
College said: “On behalf of NWRC, I am delighted to welcome the
Ministers for the Economy and Finance to our Greystone Campus.
“As a proud partner in the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal,
NWRC recognises the exciting opportunities this initiative
presents for driving economic prosperity across the region. The
development of a Foodovation™ and Skills Centre at NWRC Limavady
will complement and extend the work of the highly successful
Foodovation™ Centre at our Strand Road campus, Derry~Londonderry,
supporting skills, training, and innovation within the food
sector.
“This new centre will also enable us to develop new courses in
partnership with the food and drink industry ensuring the future
workforce is equipped with the advanced skills employers demand,
while empowering businesses with the capabilities and confidence
to achieve their full potential.”
