UK and NI Executive Ministers sign financial deal for Derry- Londonderry and Strabane City Region

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Over 6,000 new jobs could be created thanks to City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund

UK Government and NI Executive Ministers gathered at The Guildhall in Derry today to sign the Financial Deal for the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal that will unlock in excess of £290m of investment in health, life science and digital projects, and help bring about transformational changes and benefits to the region.

The UK Government has provided £50m City Deal funding and £55m via the Inclusive Future Fund, which has been match funded by the Northern Ireland Executive with contributions by Derry City and Strabane District Council and its project partners of £83m.

The funding marks the single largest investment by the UK Government and NI Executive in this region, and today’s signing of the Financial Deal represents a significant step forward in the City Deal journey. This will ultimately enable progress and the successful delivery of key infrastructure, regeneration and tourism projects.

The Derry~Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund will see more than £250m invested in the city and district with a focus on innovation, digital and health projects together with regeneration, tourism and renewal initiatives, creating up to 6,300 new jobs by 2033 and allowing the region to attract investment, enable regeneration and boost tourism.

The Derry~ Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal partners – Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ulster University, the North West Regional College, the Western Health and Social Care Trust and Clinical Translational Research Centre (C-TRIC Ltd) – have been working intensively with the NI Executive, UK Government and industry partners and are hugely proud of the success of this collaboration in reaching this landmark stage of the process following the signing of the Heads of Terms in 2021.

Today’s official signing of the Financial Deal sets in motion the next stages of the process for Council and its delivery partners to work to deliver the projects, once the full business cases are approved.  The focus for the next phase of the City Deal is the detailed design and delivery. The signing of the financial deal will allow access to funding to undertake this work which will include a wider awareness and engagement process as the detailed designs are developed.

Among the attendees at today’s event were the First Minister, Michelle O’Neill; deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, MLA; the Secretary of State for NI, Hilary Benn MP and the Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald. There were messages of support from the Minister of Health, the Minister for Infrastructure, the Minister for Economy and the Communities Minister, acknowledging the significance of the event.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, who hosted the event, acknowledged the importance of the investment.

She said: “This is a momentous day for the Derry and Strabane region. Thanks to cross-party political support, private sector backing and unprecedented levels of collaboration from all the partners, we’ve succeeded in securing this significant, long-term commitment to transforming the NI economy in the sectors where we have the potential to become world leaders.

“This City Deal provides us with an opportunity to be vibrant and exciting, and to provide us with so much potential for growth and prosperity. Today, with the signing of the Financial Deal Agreement, we have reached a major milestone, unlocking £290m of capital investment from the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and our local delivery partners.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “I am delighted that the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Dealis proceeding as planned, and proud to sign the deal on behalf of the UK Government.

“It’s going to provide support to so many important initiatives which will positively impact the lives of local people, including the regeneration of the waterfront in Derry, and of Strabane town centre.

“The digital and innovation projects which the UK Government is investing in through this deal will deliver a fantastic economic boost and opportunities for residents of the entire North West region. Exciting projects such as the £39 million new combined Cognitive Analytics and Digital Robotics Centre (CADRC), will deliver cutting-edge research and innovation. A new School of Medicine/ Personalised Medicine Centre will develop research capabilities at Ulster University’s Magee Campus, complemented by educational facilities at Altnagelvin Hospital campus.

“I congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and dedication over many years to reach this important milestone. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on local people and businesses.”

John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, on behalf of the delivery partners said: “This once in a generation City Deal would not have been possible without the successful collaboration between all of the partners involved who have worked tirelessly to get it over the line. This joined up approach has seen us using our resources, expertise and determination to secure this funding for our area so that we can make a real and positive difference to the lives of people who live and work here. The significant investment from the UK government and NI Executive with additional input from all the delivery partners allows us to leverage additional private sector investment to deliver a programme with an overall value well currently standing at £290m.”

The Mayor added that the City Deal will strengthen the region’s offer in growth sectors such as life and health sciences, digital and creative industries and will also support next generation digital capabilities, boost tourism by creating world-class visitor experiences and enable regeneration, underpinned by infrastructure developments and investment in skills to connect people to jobs and services.

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Taoiseach Simon Harris Visits Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry

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Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. visited Derry~Londonderry to discuss the University’s vision for growth in higher education provision in the North West.

Ulster University welcomed An Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. to its campus in Derry~Londonderry where he met with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholemew to discuss the University’s vision for growth in higher education provision in the North West.

The Taoiseach also delivered the 2024 John Hume and Thomas P. O’Neill Chair Peace Lecture, co-hosted by the University with the John and Pat Hume Foundation.

As the new academic year begins on the campus, a thriving hub for health sciences, creative industries, computing and the arts, the Taoiseach visited the site on which a new teaching and student services building will be developed, supported by cross border investment from the Irish Government and University reserves.

Announced in 2023, the €44.5 million investment at Ulster University’s campus in Derry~Londonderry by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island initiative will expand higher education in the North West region.

Providing additional lecture and seminar spaces, computer labs and on-campus student services, the facility will also underpin research and teaching cooperation between Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University in Donegal, while also enabling the four North West Tertiary Education Cluster institutions to work more closely together in the provision of further and higher education in the region.

During the visit earlier today, Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. said:

“I was pleased to visit Ulster University in Derry once again today, with its thriving campus alive with new and returning students on their higher education journey.”

“It was a priority for me as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, to agree and move forward in June 2023 with the major Shared Island Fund investment by the Irish Government in Ulster University’s campus, fulfilling our commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement to support the expansion of student numbers in Derry and economic opportunity for young people across the North West.”

“As Taoiseach, I affirmed with Vice-Chancellor Bartholomew today the Government’s partnership with Ulster University, including on the new teaching building project and funding of student healthcare training places in Derry. We also discussed Ulster University’s wider development and expansion plans and commitment to cross-border cooperation, in delivering a world-class institution that attracts students and researchers from across the island of Ireland, Great Britain and around the world.

“The Government will be working to see cross-border tertiary education and research links, both North/South and East/West, reach even greater heights in the time ahead.”

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew said:

“We were delighted to welcome Taoiseach Simon Harris to Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry to showcase our thriving campus and our ambitious plans for growth as we look ahead to the development of the new teaching and student services building supported by the Government of Ireland, through the Shared Island initiative.

“The Taoiseach has been a long-standing supporter of our work here in the North West, both during his time as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and now, as Taoiseach. Today’s visit was an opportunity to further discuss our distinct regional mission and our shared commitment to transform education and support economic growth in the North West.”

“In Derry~Londonderry, we are providing the most comprehensive healthcare higher education offering in the UK and Ireland. This is a campus that is addressing key challenges in the healthcare sector head on, whether that be through training the next wave of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to combat staff shortages across the North West and beyond, or with our pioneering research into personalised medicine. It was a pleasure to discuss this with the Taoiseach and share our plans for continued investment in Derry~Londonderry.”

The visit comes as Ulster University is nominated for University of the Year by Times Higher Education and recognised as the highest-ranking UK university for outreach activities, and fifth in the world overall, in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024.

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Mayor hosts Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. on his first official visit to Derry

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Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr hosted the Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. on 16th September when he visited Derry as part of an official visit to the city to attend several engagements.

The Taoiseach received a tour of the Guildhall and met with officials from Derry City and Strabane District Council where he heard about the range of exciting initiatives being taken forward by Council and its delivery partners as part of the City Deal Project. As part of the meeting, the Taoiseach also received an update on the regional growth priorities for the North West City Region, in particular the positive collaborative work being done through the North West Regional Development Group in partnership with Donegal County Council and strategic partners in central government on both sides of the border.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said she was extremely proud to welcome the Taoiseach on his first official visit to the City and District. She said it was an excellent opportunity to highlight to the Irish Government the strong level of engagement and collaboration that is taking place on a cross-border basis and the commitment by everyone to work collectively for growth and economic prosperity.

She said: “It was a great honour to welcome the Taoiseach Simon Harris to the City and the Guildhall and to give him an overview of the very many positive activities and initiatives we are working on with a focus on maximising the full potential of our region so that people in both jurisdictions can see and feel the benefits. The meeting was a very positive one and a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the level of support received to date and the important role the Irish Government can continue to play in facilitating further regeneration and investment in this region. I want to acknowledge the Irish Government’s funding towards the new teaching block at Ulster University and the ongoing positive engagement in relation to further expansion of the university in Derry, as well as the level of support provided for the NW territory education cluster.”

The Mayor welcoming the Shared Island Wild Atlantic Way/Causeway Coastal Route Tourism Brand Collab Project announcement said she was delighted to see this collaborative approach to promoting the tourism product and was very keen to see the Walled City positioned at the centre of where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coast Route.

John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council said the visit of the Taoiseach was an opportunity for Council to acknowledge the Irish Government’s commitment to the region to date through the North West Strategic Growth Partnership and the NW Regional Development Group whilst also highlighting the importance of a continued shared approach to sustainable growth, economic development and infrastructural regeneration and the need for continued funding to support the North West region.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting was the Irish Government’s ongoing support on the A5 project and continued engagement to advance the Derry to Dublin airlink as well as Shared Island funding support for a range of joint initiatives with Donegal County Council such as the Sli Colmcille pilgrimage route project, a North West De-carb Exemplar Decarbonised Public Building and Transportation project as well as a NW Regulatory Technology Cluster.

“The Council took the opportunity to reinforce the message around collaboration and the success we have experienced of working together and how it has allowed us to develop programmes to support the economy such as support programmes for SMEs and start-ups, joint FDI/investment trade missions, greenways, cultural and heritage programmes, tourism development projects and destination marketing campaigns. Going forward we highlighted the need for a continued joined-up approach when it comes to investment in road, air, rail and sea connectivity in our region as well continued focus to enhance tertiary education provision, improved job and skills opportunities and investment in our tourism and cultural offerings as well as our North West Technology clusters.”

The Taoiseach was in the City to attend a number of events and meetings including projects to develop tourism on a collaborative cross-border basis in the North West; community engagement and reconciliation, and investment in higher education provision in the region through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, while also delivering the John Hume and Thomas P. O’Neill Chair Peace Lecture at Ulster University’s campus.  

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Mayor speaks at annual Congressional Black Caucus Conference

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The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, has been in Washington, D.C. in recent days, where she was invited to speak at the 53rd Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Legislative Conference.

The theme of this year’s event, ‘From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices’ focused on critical issues impacting education, health, technology, civic engagement, and equity. One of the key topics of discussion was the growing attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, is a premier gathering of policymakers, thought leaders, activists, and community members dedicated to advancing the global Black community. The agenda included a National Town Hall on equal economic opportunity, as well as diverse panels aimed at securing and sustaining progress for Black people across the globe.

Mayor Seenoi Barr was among a number of international delegates invited to speak at this high-profile conference. In addition to addressing key issues affecting the Black community, this year’s discussions challenged rising authoritarianism, global anti-Blackness, and explored pioneering legislative and policy solutions.

In the lead-up to the conference, Mayor Seenoi Barr participated in a series of meetings with officials from the U.S. State Department, the Irish Embassy in Washington, and various members of Congress. These engagements provided an opportunity to advocate for economic opportunities in Derry City and Strabane district, with a focus on tourism, trade, and investment.

Speaking after the conference, Mayor Seenoi Barr said: “I was honoured to be invited to address the Annual Legislative Conference. It was a fantastic platform to highlight Derry and Strabane’s efforts in promoting racial equity and inclusion, and to showcase some of the incredible work being done to connect communities and address inequality.  

“I also had the opportunity to engage with some visionary academics, politicians, policymakers, and potential investors, making the case for Derry’s economic growth through tourism and trade.”

The CBCF’s mission to advance the global Black community by cultivating leadership and informing policy resonates strongly with Mayor Seenoi Barr’s vision for inclusive economic growth. She emphasised, “As someone who believes in shared growth and economic prosperity for everyone, I know that by supporting the most vulnerable in society, we ensure benefits for all. I look forward to building on the connections made during this trip to further our goals of racial equity and economic development for Derry and Strabane.”

“The Annual Legislative Conference is more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for change,” said a CBCF spokesperson. “Our mission is to uplift, empower, and advance the Black community by cultivating leadership, informing policy, and educating the public.”

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Hunter Apparel wins multi-million contract following investment in state-of-the-art equipment

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Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Derry based professional clothing company Hunter Apparel Solutions has won a £3.5million contract with Dublin Fire Brigade. 
 
The contract follows a £1million investment in new machinery by Hunter which is enabling it to offer a revolutionary PPE decontamination service. 
 
During a visit to the company, Minister Murphy said: “Hunter has embraced technology and innovation to develop from its origins as an apparel manufacturer to become a leader in the design, supply and maintenance of technical professional clothing.
 
“This contract with Dublin Fire Brigade highlights the opportunities that exist in the all-island economy. As a result of its investment and subsequent contract success, Hunter has created three new jobs in Derry. Its new decontamination service is also helping to safeguard the health of key workers as well as reducing wastage by maximising the lifespan of uniforms. All of this is in keeping with my vision of creating a regionally balanced and sustainable economy.”
 

My department and Invest NI will be working closely with businesses to ensure they understand the unique dual market access opportunities and the regulatory environment, so they are well placed to take advantage of our export growth potential.

Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy

The Minister added: “Trading with the south can be a catalyst for businesses to grow into new export markets. My department and Invest NI will be working closely with businesses to ensure they understand the unique dual market access opportunities and the regulatory environment, so they are well placed to take advantage of our export growth potential.”

With Invest NI support, Hunter Apparel Solutions purchased new decontamination machinery which uses liquid carbon dioxide (LC02+) to eradicate contaminants and carcinogens from fire service clothing. The contract with Dublin Fire Brigade involves fully neutralizing the toxins in the protective clothing of its firefighters, ensuring that harmful substances do not build up in the garments leading to serious ill health. 
 
Located in Springtown Industrial Estate, Hunter Apparel Solutions employs 53 staff. It was founded in 1936 and is now managed by the third generation of the Hunter family. The company supplies its garments and services across key market segments – blue light and security; rail and other transport utilities; and specialist PPE and workwear.

CEO, Simon Hunter, said: “Hunter is the technology leader in the professional clothing sector. We were first to market with a specialised digital service, along with a platform for tracking and tracing personal protective equipment to ensure safety protocols are followed. We have also launched an artificial intelligence-based sizing tool and introduced robotics to our R&D centre and warehousing.
 

Invest NI has worked with Hunter over many years providing both financial and advisory support and we will continue to be a trusted partner as it enters its next phase of growth.

Jeremy Fitch, Executive Director of Business Solutions, Invest NI

“Our new LC02+ decontamination service is the next step in providing our clients with a 21st-century professional clothing service. It removes 99% of carcinogens from firefighters’ PPE and prolongs the lifespan of the clothing in a single wash environmentally friendly process. On the back of this continuous research and development and our passion for innovation, we anticipate that our turnover will continue to grow well into the future.”

Congratulating the company on its new contract, Jeremy Fitch, Executive Director of Business Solutions at Invest NI, said: “Hunter continues to invest in its future, ensuring it maintains its competitive position as a technological leader in its field. The company’s LC02+ system investment has been rewarded with this significant four-year contract with Dublin Fire Brigade adding to many other export successes.
 
“Invest NI has worked with Hunter over many years providing both financial and advisory support and we will continue to be a trusted partner as it enters its next phase of growth.”

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Ulster University Derry~Londonderry Officially Launches Expanded International Nursing Competence Test Centre Addressing Workforce Shortages

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The Nursing Competence Test Centre at Ulster University is one of just five Nursing Midwifery Council approved CTCs in the UK.

Ulster University has officially opened the doors to its newly expanded and reimagined Nursing Competence Test Centre today, located at Foyle House in Derry~Londonderry. This significant development aims to address the growing global demand for nursing and midwifery healthcare professionals in the UK.

The Ulster University School of Nursing and Paramedic Science hosts and operates this vital Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) Competence Test Centre (CTC) which has, over the years, expanded to meet growing demand.

Earlier this year the university purchased a new site that shares a border with the University’s Duncreggan Student Village, a very short walk from campus buildings, and began expansion plans.

The development will enable over 8,000 internationally educated nursing and midwifery candidates per year from around the world, to take their NMC Test of Competence Part 2 Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) assessment in order to join the NMC Register of nurses, midwives and nursing associates.

The CTC on the Derry~Londonderry campus is one of just five NMC approved CTCs in the UK – and the only one in Northern Ireland, reflecting the University’s expertise and leadership in nursing.  First established in 2017, the test centre has not only helped to alleviate pressures on the health sector but has also become an economic driver for the North West with businesses across the city reaping the many benefits of increased visitor numbers.

Marking the significant expansion, Ulster University hosted a celebratory launch event at Foyle House. People from across the UK were welcomed to explore the new facilities, highlighting an important opportunity to support nursing capacity and alleviate pressures on the health service in the UK.

Esteemed guests included representatives from the NMC, Healthcare Trusts, the Independent Sector, the Royal College of Nursing, the Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Darren Guy, and Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt.

Mr Nesbitt said:

“The test centre here at Ulster University has gained a reputation as the preferred choice for many candidates. This speaks volumes for the efforts made by Ulster University, not only to support the development of the workforce to meet the healthcare needs of our population, but also their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and professional integrity. 

“To the candidates embarking on this journey, I encourage you to view this Centre not simply as an examination stage but as a stepping stone towards a fulfilling career in healthcare. You are joining a community that values compassion, excellence, working together and openness and honesty. The skills you acquire here will not only be instrumental in your personal journey, but will enable you to make a significant contribution to Northern Ireland.”

Shahneela Grygiel, Assistant Director of Registration and Revalidation at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

“We are delighted to be in Derry-Londonderry to explore the new Foyle House site at Ulster University. This expansion is good news for people who use health and care services, helping even more skilled and knowledgeable professionals from all over the world to join our register safely and quickly.  

“We’re seeing more nursing and midwifery professionals on the NMC register than ever before – 826,418. The expansion at Ulster University will play a vital role in this continued growth, enabling internationally educated professionals and those returning to practice, to provide the high-quality care everyone across the UK has the right to receive.”

About the CTC
Nurses and midwives are required to undergo comprehensive assessment in order to confirm their competency before they can practice in the UK. The designated test centre on the Derry~Londonderry campus delivers the OSCE, which tests candidates’ skills, knowledge and behaviours in a simulated practice environment. This is the final test that candidates must pass in order to gain registration as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate in the UK.   

With a responsive approach to meeting the needs of individuals and organisations, the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science at Ulster University facilitates much needed registered nurses and midwives, who have been recruited from overseas, in their journey to registration. This enables them to move forward in establishing their career in the UK whilst making a valued and essential contribution to the health of the public through their knowledge, expertise, and experience.   

Since opening in 2017, over 32,000 nurses from countries including Canada, Japan, Philippines, India, Africa, and Barbados have undertaken the OSCE at the Ulster University Competence Test Centre (CTC) and are now working in healthcare settings across Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.

Professor Carol Curran, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at Ulster University commented:

“This significant development signifies our continued commitment to the Derry~Londonderry campus and our ambitions for momentum in development here. This allows us to expand our campus footprint into a neighbouring site and importantly, benefits the local economy in the North West by boosting international travel to Derry~Londonderry with associated bed nights in local hotels.” 

“Additionally, some 90 staff – most of whom are local nurses – are employed in the CTC as assessors and patient role players so this CTC allows us to support the local economy though employment too. We have plans for further recruitment now that our CTC has expanded on the Foyle House site.”  

Professor Neal Cook, Professor of Nursing and Head of School of Nursing and Paramedic Science said

“We are delighted to see our CTC provision expand from 12 to 20 testing bays at our new site, maximising the responsive provision to facilitating internationally educated nurses, midwives and nursing associates from all over the globe to enter the NMC live register. This enhanced provision will expand on our ability to support these nurses and their sponsors as well as provide our team with bespoke facilities to maximise the quality of our provision, complementing our continued commitment to a person-centred approach. The community support and hospitality the candidates receive on their visit to the city also enhances their positive experience. This is a team and service to be proud of, particularly given the impact on health services nationally”.

Ulster University has an international reputation for nursing excellence and is rated top 10 in the UK for nursing (QS World Subject Rankings 2023 and Complete University Guide 2024).

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Ulster University Hosts Celebration for Northern Ireland’s First Ever Paramedic Science Students

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On 22nd August, Ulster University marked a historic moment for Northern Ireland, as the first cohort of BSc Hons Paramedic Science students celebrated ahead of graduation in December 2024 from the region’s first ever BSc Paramedic Sciences programme.

Forty students attended an official celebration ceremony, recognising their successful completion of all elements necessary to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This milestone marks their readiness to contribute significantly to the future of healthcare delivery across Northern Ireland.

With funding support from the Department of Health, the three-year course launched in September 2021 with 40 students and three dedicated lecturers. Due to its growing popularity, the programme now accommodates 130 students across all year groups and boasts a teaching team of 10 academics. This expansion emphasises the courses’ vital role in supporting Northern Ireland’s healthcare workforce and easing pressures on the health service.

Throughout the course, students completed a comprehensive range of academic modules focused on the fundamentals of emergency and urgent care. They completed 60 weeks of practice-based learning in various community health and social care settings, hospital services, and ambulance services.

In addition to classroom-based learning, students benefited from hands-on experience within Ulster University’s cutting-edge facility Skills Suite featuring hospital wards, clinical rooms, and a unique simulated ambulance custom-built for the School of Nursing & Paramedic Science at the Derry~Londonderry campus – the only one of its kind in the region.

Graduates have developed the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to become a competent and confident paramedic who provides safe person-centred care.

This groundbreaking course, based within multi- award-winning School of Nursing & Paramedic Science is a significant step forward in the development of the paramedic profession in Northern Ireland and beyond. Until 2021, aspiring paramedics from Northern Ireland were required to travel to the south of Ireland or across the Irish Sea to complete a BSc Hons programme in Paramedic Science.

Ben Malone a student on the course always wanted to be a paramedic since the age of 8 years old after his Nanny experienced a stroke, he remembered feeling relief and reassurance as the Paramedics arrived, he said:

“I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic. We have been at the forefront of this programme, pioneering its development over the past three years. The friends I have made, skills and knowledge I have learned from expert lecturers and the experience I have gained through practice learning, will stand to me in years to come.

“Whilst it has been challenging and demanding at times, both academically and throughout practice learning, I am glad to say that I have successfully completed the course, passed all modules and received a conditional offer of employment from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSCT (pending my registration in the coming weeks).  “I look forward to what the future holds, embarking on a career as a paramedic and witnessing the success of future cohorts from the BSc programme at Ulster University.”

Professor Neal Cook, Head of School of Nursing and Paramedic Science at Ulster University said:

“We are immensely proud of our paramedic science students reaching this important and historic milestone as the first cohort to graduate with their BSc Hons Paramedic Science. Their success is testament to their dedication to the profession and their studies and also testament to the support and expert education they have received from their course team and practice partners, without whom we could not deliver this quality provision. The success of their programme is the culmination of valued partnerships and collaborative endeavours across a spectrum of stakeholders, including all six health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland as well as the Department of Health and the independent and voluntary sectors. We have every faith that these graduands will have long and impactful careers as paramedics, we are so proud of their achievements”.  

Mr. Andrew Chambers, Course Director BSc Paramedic Science at Ulster University said:

“Despite often being the first, and sometimes the crucial medical contact for people within the community, paramedics have lacked the credibility that they deserve.  However, the introduction of this degree programme and the recent elevation of paramedics to Allied Health Profession (AHP) status helps to further cement the position of paramedics as healthcare professionals in their own right, capable of operating across a wide variety of healthcare environments.  The students from our course represent the future of the paramedic profession and the wider Health Service here in Northern Ireland and I have no doubt that with the diverse learning opportunities they have received as part of this programme that they will go on to have a profound impact on the delivery of prehospital care within the province for years to come.”

Neil Sinclair, Chief Paramedic Officer, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said:

“We are delighted to join Ulster University, and all of the other partner organisations, in congratulating the first cohort of UU Student Paramedics as they complete their BSc (Hons) programme. They have been on a journey through academic and practice-based learning over the past 3 years, and they will soon embark on the next phase of their careers as they transition into employment. We are looking forward to welcoming many of them to NIAS in the very near future; where they will be able to utilise the knowledge and personal attributes they have developed over the last 3 years, alongside their new colleagues in NIAS, to provide the best possible pre-hospital care to people across all of Northern Ireland. The arrival of this large number of highly-skilled new recruits will bring benefits and welcome support, not only to NIAS, but across the entire health and social care system, and most importantly to the local community.”

If you are interested in studying BSc Hons Paramedic Science at Ulster University Derry~Londonderry, or would like more information on the course, please visit – Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) at Ulster University 2024/25 entry – Full-time Undergraduate Study

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International Passenger Numbers Triple at City of Derry Airport

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One year on from the launch of international single-ticket fares from City of Derry Airport, as part of the take-off of the Loganair London Heathrow service offering the new hub connectivity, new passenger figures have unveiled that the number travelling through the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ to connect to international destinations has tripled from Summer 2023 to Summer 2024. These figures indicate a new wave of global travellers using the Airport, with the top connecting destinations outlined as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, and the top connecting airlines shown as British Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “It’s wonderful to see travellers across the Northwest enjoying the benefits of flying local to an array of bucket-list destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

“Passengers can drop their baggage at City of Derry, breeze through London Heathrow, and collect their baggage at their final destination. There is also increased baggage allowance as the international airline’s baggage permissions apply throughout the journey.

“In terms of planning international travel, passengers can simply book single-ticket fares via the international airline website, or via a local travel agent. Full information on all destinations and the airline carriers available to book for each destination is shown on the City of Derry Airport website: www.cityofderryairport.com/destinations/international-connections.”

Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, added: “With reduced journey time to the Airport, savings on parking (you can park for a week from just £34.58), and less than 15 minutes from the Carpark to the Departure Gate, we can assure our passengers of a fast, friendly and convenient start to their trip! Our Airport team also offer amazing support for passengers with reduced mobility and pre-visits are available for anyone with hidden disabilities, or anyone who may be nervous in advance of travel. At City of Derry Airport, we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to ensure our passengers’ travel experience is as stress-free as possible.”

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive at Derry Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is great news to see that international passenger numbers have tripled at City of Derry Airport in the space of a year. Such significant increases in the number of people passing through our airport and city are a testament to the work the Airport has done in getting people into the Northwest through its offering of both new services and international single-ticket fares.

“A major aim for growth in Derry and the Northwest is that the region becomes a hub for both corporate travel and corporate tourism. The statistics released today, specifically those of the connecting cities, show that City of Derry Airport is playing a crucial role in attracting that corporate traffic to the region. We look forward to the Airport further increasing these figures again, as we are sure they will, and the associated increase of footfall in the region this growth will bring with it.”

Top 10 Connecting Cities:
1. Dubai
2. Doha
3. Abu Dhabi
4. Amsterdam
5. Berlin
6. Geneva
7. Istanbul
8. Copenhagen
9. Delhi
10. Paris
Top Connecting Airlines:
1. British Airways
2. Emirates
3. Etihad Airways
4. Qatar Airways
5. KLM

Additional international airlines available to book single-ticket fares with:
– Air France
– Cathay Pacific
– Ethiopian Airlines
– Finnair
– Icelandair
– Singapore Airlines
– Turkish Airlines
– United Airlines

For more information on international travel from City of Derry Airport, click here.

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Tourism Northern Ireland welcomes record £1.2billion visitor spend

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Tourism Northern Ireland welcomes record £1.2 billion visitor spend

New figures released in August by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) – the first Northern Ireland annual tourism statistics since 2019 and the Covid pandemic – indicate visitors to Northern Ireland spent a record £1.2 billion in 2023.

This spend was generated from 5.4 million overnights trips taken in the region, 60% of which were taken by those from outside of Northern Ireland.

On average, visitors stayed 3.1 nights and spent £224.44 per overnight trip in the 12-month period.

Of the £1.2 billion spend, 56% was spent outside of Belfast.

Domestic trips (by NI residents) accounted for the highest proportion of overall trips in the region, at 40%, with Great Britain residents accounting for 27%.

There was an unprecedented number of visitors from the Republic of Ireland in 2023, with these accounting for almost one-quarter of all trips during the year.

Tourism Northern Ireland’s Consumer Sentiment Research found that the majority of ROI visitors said their trip matched or exceeded expectations, with the range of places to eat & drink, and the welcome & hospitality being particularly highly rated.

Local Government District figures, also published in August by NISRA, show the benefits of tourism are experienced across the north, with 69% of visits in 2023 taken outside of Belfast.

Today’s NISRA figures also reveal that hotel room occupancy in Northern Ireland was 64% in 2023. STR hotel data indicate high average daily hotel rates for 2023.

In addition, in 2023, there were 5,845 tourism businesses operating in Northern Ireland, of these, 77% were outside the Belfast city council area.

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “We are very pleased with the latest tourism statistics released today which indicate that the industry has recovered very successfully from the impact of the COVID pandemic.

“The results we are seeing today is the result of the great collaboration between Government, the tourism agencies, local councils and the tourism industry over the past four years in delivering the Tourism Recovery Action Plan drawn up in response to the devastation of the pandemic.

“Whilst it’s difficult to make direct comparisons with 2019, the fact that overnight spend by tourists has reached an estimated £1.2 billion in 2023 represents a very impressive performance given the many challenges the industry has faced in recent years.”

Mr McGrillen added: “The statistics would suggest that business from the GB market, which is extremely important to the NI tourism industry, has now fully recovered.

“This performance creates a great platform for future growth, particularly given that the volume of flights between Irish airports and international markets now exceed 2019 levels.”

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Successful completion of North West Greenway Network celebrated

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A NEW EU-funded cross-border greenway connecting people and communities across the North West was officially opened on 12th September..

The €34m North West Greenway Network was supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), Donegal County Council (DCC) and Sustrans NI.

Further funding was also provided by both Councils, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.

The overall project has successfully delivered a network of 46.5km of greenway infrastructure, walking and cycling routes, linking communities spanning the North West border area.

The two new routes link Strathfoyle to Quigleys Point via Muff, and Culmore and Castlefinn to Strabane via Lifford. The network has already attracted thousands of local users, providing an environmentally friendly travel option for commuters as well as facilitating active travel, physical activity and encouraging sustainable transport and decarbonisation. The new routes also provide improved safety for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Speaking at today’s celebration event, which was attended by project partners and representatives from both sides of the border, Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd said: “This project is a shining example of partnership and cross border work and I am delighted that my Department was able to provide funding towards it. The Greenway is already producing tangible benefits in the North West by linking communities and encouraging more people to consider the option of active travel as an alternative to the private car for short journeys. This is a modal shift I want to see continue. Active travel has the potential to increase physical activity and improve mental wellbeing. It can also help to tackle air pollution and, along with public transport, will help to decarbonise our transport system.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, said: “The opening of the North West Greenway Network represents an exciting development for the North West Region. This cross-border Greenway project has received significant financial support through the INTERREG VA programme with the Department of Transport providing approximately €3 million in 2024 to support this project. This project is an exemplar initiative of cross-border collaboration, with Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council working together to realise 46.5km of segregated cycle lanes.

This project has resulted in two separate Greenway routes connecting Derry to County Donegal. These routes will encourage greater levels of cycling and walking, rather than private car use, among leisure users, tourists, and commuters. In addition, this project will help to ensure coherent cycling infrastructure for individuals travelling between the two jurisdictions. This investment by the Department of Transport to date signals the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland”.

Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive, said: “The official opening of the North West Greenway Network marks a transformative step towards a more connected, sustainable future for the region. This project not only strengthens cross-border cooperation but also promotes cleaner and greener travel, healthier lifestyles and enhances environmental stewardship.

“This project exemplifies the commitment of SEUPB and our partners to building a shared, sustainable future for all communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties.

“I would like to congratulate all those involved in the management, design and build, who have produced this amazing new North West Greenway, an ambitious concept carried through in outstanding delivery.”

Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Darren Guy, said: “I am delighted to join with project partners and funders today to mark the successful completion of the North West Greenway.

“We are already seeing the benefits of the new routes which have opened up new areas to both pedestrians and cyclists and brought our cross-border communities closer together. Here in the North West we are blessed with beautiful green spaces and the network makes these areas more accessible, connecting both urban and rural areas so they can be reached within minutes.

“This is now a practical travel route for commuters, as well as a popular pathway for fitness and leisure. I want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our team in delivering this major strategic project, and also the support of all our partners in recognising and supporting the vision we had for the North West area.”

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