Building the North-West economy a priority - Murphy

Economy Minister Conor Murphy was in Derry today to meet business and education leaders to discuss his plans for building the North-West economy.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy pictured with Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew.

Following a meeting with the Derry Chamber of Commerce, the Minister said: 

“Regional balance will be a key element of my economic strategy. Derry has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and huge ambitions for the future. The North West has huge growth potential and I intend to see that potential realised.”

The Minister then visited Ulster University’s Magee Campus to meet with the Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew. The Minister said: 

“The commitment to expand university provision in Derry to 10,000 students must be delivered. My Department will work in partnership with UU and other stakeholders to reach the 10,000 figure and in the coming weeks I will be announcing my plans to take this important work forward.”

Later in the afternoon the Minister visited the Museum of Free Derry. Speaking afterwards Minister Murphy said:

“The Museum of Free Derry is a key visitor attraction in Derry and an economic driver for this area and for the city. It tells the story of 1968-72 in Derry in a way that provides a space to explore our past and look to the future.  

“Growth in our regional tourism sector provides much needed jobs, which is why I’m pleased that the much-anticipated DNA Museum in Ebrington Square has now received Letters of Offer from all funding partners. Once completed it will be another major tourist attraction for visitors to this great city.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo captions:

• Photo 1: Economy Minister Conor Murphy is pictured with Derry Chamber of Commerce President Greg McCann; Chamber Vice-President Andrew Fleming and Chamber CEO Anna Doherty.
• Photo 2: Economy Minister Conor Murphy is pictured with Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew following discussion on the Minister’s commitment that expansion of the Campus is a key priority.
• Photo 3: Economy Minister Conor Murphy chatting to John Kelly, Education officer, and Adrian Kerr, Curator, Museum of Free Derry following a tour of the premises.

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