MEMBERS of Derry City and Strabane District’s Strategic Growth Partnership gathered at the Guildhall today for a special meeting to discuss plans for the progress of development across the City and District.
At the meeting partners, who represent local business, community and voluntary organisations and statutory agencies, as well as Derry City and Strabane District Council, received an update on the work to date on some of the key strategic areas highlighted within the Strategic Growth Plan.
Members heard more about the work of the Education and Skills Outcome Delivery Partnership, the Green Infrastructure Plan and the Year of Youth Programme, which aims to enhance the lives of our Children and Young People.
They also received a report on the eight bespoke Local Strategic Growth Plans, which are now at an advanced stage of development, and the ongoing work on the Carnegie Embedding Wellbeing in Northern Ireland Project.
Speaking after the meeting, the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor John Boyle, said it was important for local partners to continue to work together to fully realise the ambitions for the City and District.
“It’s so encouraging to see the dedication of all our stakeholders to the delivery of the Strategic Growth Plan, which is already beginning to advance the objectives outlined as priorities for the North West,” he declared.
“With Brexit fast approaching it’s even more important that we as a progressive City Region remain focused on the positive work that is ongoing here, and the key strategic projects which will be pivotal to the success of our local economy.
“The meeting today provided an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to achieving a better future for all our citizens.”
Reflecting on the work of the partnership to date, Council Chief Executive John Kelpie, said: “I want to acknowledge the fantastic work of all our partners in driving forward this process of transformation for Derry and Strabane.
“Despite the challenges we have made advances in a number of important areas and will continue to lobby central government for the investment needed to deliver the vital improvements to infrastructure, industry and our learning institutions that we need to bring about sustainable and meaningful change.”
The meeting was open to the public as well as stakeholders in keeping with the focus on community engagement which has driven the Strategic Growth Plan campaign from the outset.
Find out more about the plan and receive regular updates on its progress at growderrystrabane.com
