First Minister and deputy First Minister
have visited
Derry/Londonderry to see the vital work underway across
regeneration, economic growth and community care.
The visit began at Meenan Square, where they marked the start of
construction on the landmark regeneration scheme supported with
£13million through The Executive Office's Urban Villages
Initiative, which will deliver new homes, community facilities,
commercial space and a revitalised public square.
The First Minister and deputy First Minister also met business
leaders at Derry Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities to
strengthen the regional economy through investment, skills and
infrastructure, before visiting Foyle Hospice to meet staff and
volunteers delivering palliative, day therapy and bereavement
services to patients and families across the Western Trust.
Speaking during the visit, First Minister said: The North West is a
region full of ambition and talent and it is inspiring to see
that reflected in the projects, businesses and people shaping its
future. From the £13 million regeneration of Meenan Square which
will create jobs and provide a vibrant shared space, to
businesses driving economic growth with the support of Derry
Chamber of Commerce and the outstanding care provided everyday by
Foyle Hospice. Today's visits show the difference that
partnership, care and sustained investment can make to people's
lives.
As an Executive, we are committed to supporting inclusive growth,
strengthening our communities and ensuring that everyone has the
opportunity to thrive. Derry has enormous potential, and we will
continue to back investment that delivers jobs, supports
communities here and helps the city and wider North West realise
that potential.
deputy First Minister said: Today's
sod-cutting ceremony at Meenan Square marks an important
milestone in its regeneration, the investment through the Urban
Villages Initiative is going to create a vibrant, welcoming and
shared space.
The North West continues to demonstrate its immense potential as
a region of innovation, opportunity and community strength and I
welcomed the opportunity to meet with local business leaders
whose resilience and ambition are helping to drive economic
growth, create jobs and attract investment. These businesses play
a vital role in shaping a prosperous future for the area and for
Northern Ireland.
It was a real privilege to be able to visit Foyle Hospice while
in the North West, meeting the dedicated staff who provide
exceptional care and support to patients and families during the
most challenging times. Their work is truly invaluable, it is
such an important service for people and families that they
provide.
Liam Hannaway, Chairperson of Apex Housing Association, said: It
was a pleasure to have the First Minister and deputy First
Minister at Meenan Square today to mark what is a hugely
significant and exciting milestone for a project shaped by years
of engagement, collaboration and determination. We are proud to
be playing a key role in delivering new homes and community
infrastructure that will serve local families for generations to
come.
Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber of
Commerce, said: We welcomed the opportunity to meet with the
First Minister and deputy First Minister to discuss the
priorities that matter most to our local business community and
the wider North West region, from Magee campus expansion to
challenges facing cross-border workers and ensuring the North
West has the economic conditions to succeed.
We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with
Ministers and officials to ensure the North West remains at the
heart of our government's future policies and ambitions.
Donall Henderson, Chief Executive of Foyle Hospice, said: Foyle
Hospice provides vital care for patients and families across the
North West and West, made possible through the dedication of our
staff and the generosity of the community that stands behind us.
We were delighted to welcome the First Minister and deputy First
Minister and share the importance of this work first-hand.
