John Kelpie of Derry City and Strabane District Council
SENIOR Government officials from North and South will participate in a new and innovative Strategic Partnership focusing on the North West region with a view to bringing about real and positive benefits for the area.
This Partnership will host their inaugural meeting in Derry this week.
The North West Strategic Growth Partnership, led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, and comprising senior representatives from Government departments from Northern Ireland and the Republic, is the first grouping of its kind on the island of Ireland.
The newly-established Partnership will provide joined-up planning and collaborative resourcing of growth for the North West region and work collectively to build on the work being carried out by the North West Regional Development Group.
This partnership with government, which is being supported by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD), has been endorsed by the two Governments through the North South Ministerial Council and is the culmination of over two years intensive planning and development.
John Kelpie, Chief Executive with Derry City and Strabane District Council, says the establishment of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership is hugely significant and a very strong endorsement of the close collaborative working relationship between the two Councils, and their commitment to promoting and maximising the opportunities that exist for Ireland North West.
“The establishment of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership is a major enabler for us and evidence of the groundwork that has been done over the past number of years between the two Councils and Government representatives from both sides of the Border who acknowledge the importance of the region to the economy of both jurisdictions.
“The North West region includes Derry, the fourth largest city region on the island of Ireland, and this focused co-operation and unique partnership will ensure that we can release the region’s full potential.
“It is a unique model of partnership across the two jurisdictions that will allow us to drive forward our strategic priorities for the North West region and help assist in the delivery of the Programme of Government, north and south.
“We strongly believe that this Partnership will allow regional and local government, in partnership with central government, to put into place specific arrangements to assist the North West in maximising the opportunities that exist for it to reach its full potential as a net contributor to the economy.”
Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, says the Partnership will provide opportunities to deliver a coordinated and durable partnership between the North West region and Central Government in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“We hope that through the Partnership we can facilitate greater day to day joint working across the administrations and local government through shared approaches and co-ordinated planning and delivery, focusing on three key pillars of economic growth and investment, physical and environmental development and social and community cohesion and well-being.
“The Partnership will provide a Forum to outline our key strengths and our commitment to the North West becoming a resilient economy.”
The inaugural meeting of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership will take place on Wednesday, December 7, in Derry.
It is anticipated it will meet once every six months. As well as Chief Executives from both Councils, the Mayor and Cathaoirleach of each Council and the Chair and Vice Chair of the North West Regional Development Group will meet along with senior representatives from key government departments, North and South, and key regional stakeholders.
Welcoming the Partnership, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, said the joint approach was good for Derry and the wider North West region and a very positive step towards strong partnership working across both jurisdictions.
An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Terence Slowey, says the Partnership will also afford the region new chances to tap into opportunities to showcase and promote the region’s rich tourism, culture and heritage offerings, and give both Councils a proactive and leading role in marketing the region as an exceptional place to live and work.
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