Ulster University: Magee campus to get millions from Irish government

The expansion of Magee is seen in the north west as a key economic driver for the region

Ulster University's Magee campus is to receive millions in funding to help boost student numbers, the Irish government has announced.

It is one of a number of cross-border projects to receive funding announced by the Irish cabinet on Tuesday.

The Londonderry campus is to receive €44.5m (£38m) for a new teaching and student-services building.

More than €56m (£47m) of funding has been made available through the government's Shared Island Unit.

It was established in 2020 to deliver all-island investment projects.

The Irish government also announced funding for a number of other cross-border projects including a new all-island youth forum and a respite and therapeutic centre for children diagnosed with cancer.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar said the investment in Ulster University marked a step-change in higher education in the north west.

"It will help to transform education in the region, and in the medium term will foster new jobs and economic growth," he said.

"The new teaching and student services building will help to grow student numbers and enhance higher education."

Leo Varadkar says the funding fulfils their commitment under the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) agreement to invest in the Derry campus

Mr Varadkar said the announcement fulfilled Dublin's commitment under the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) agreement to invest in the Derry campus.

NDNA restored Northern Ireland's power-sharing executive in 2020.

It stated that both the Irish and UK governments wold aim to financially support the 10,000 student number expansion target at Ulster University.

Mr Varadkar said the Irish government was keen to work with a new Stormont executive, once formed, and with the UK Government "to fund other investments that will benefit the north west and border regions, and the island as a whole."

'Significant growth'

Vice-chancellor of Ulster University Paul Bartholomew said the funding would make "a very significant contribution in preparing the campus for significant growth".

He said it was part of a larger investment package that comprised the university's own investment, City Deal funding, Inclusive Futures funding, and Department for the Economy capital grant money.

"This is a long standing commitment from the Irish government that has just taken this long to come to fruition," told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme.

"We will continue to invest in that campus and I am sure in due course that we will get the Northern Ireland government investing too if we come up with the right project."

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the announcement and said it would help bring greater economic investment to the city and region.

"More students means greater investment, jobs, productivity, wealth and ultimately prosperity in our region," chamber president Selina Horshi said.

"By expanding upon and upgrading Magee's already excellent estate of labs, libraries, and study spaces, the campus will become an even more attractive option for prospective students."

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The expansion of the university in Derry has long been regarded as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

A significant step

The main takeaway from this funding is that it will likely see an increase in student numbers at the Magee Campus.

The funding, which is being provided through the government's Shared Island Unit, will construct a new teaching and student-services building.

The the construction of this new building and expansion of other facilities will see more students at Magee.

The Irish government has said this could see student numbers rise from about 5,000 to about 6,500.

It should be noted that this is still 3,500 fewer than the 10,000 student commitment that was envisioned in the New Decade, New Approach deal of 2020.

So while there will likely be an increase in student numbers, some people in Derry will see this as only a step toward that long term goal of seeing 10,000 students studying here in the city.