There's been a major step-forward in an international project to connect the North West to the USA.

Derry's SDLP Foyle MLA, Mark Durkan has warmly greeted the news that the Department for Social Development (DSD) has now officially handed over the Project Kelvin Telehouse to Hibernia Atlantic who will now complete the fit-out of the facility.

Mr Durkan has also welcomed the news that DSD has given permission to North West Electronics to run a fibre optic cable from its offices at Skeoge Industrial Park through DSD and at Galliagh Linear park to connect to the facility – the first practical example of local businesses benefiting from Project Kelvin.

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Mr Durkan said: "It is great to see this official handover to Hibernia Atlantic as Project Kelvin is an important step closer to completion.

"The Derry Telehouse will provide a platform for investment and the development of service markets here.

"I have been involved in meetings regarding the delivery and marketing of a data centre and the wider Kelvin offering over recent months and this is a welcome fruition of many people's work. Having a Tier IV data centre will provide a Unique Selling Point for the North West region."

He continued: "As an attractive driver for economic growth and inward investment, this is a huge opportunity for the North West economy and a fitting start to the Fort George development.

"It will deliver a major boost to local businesses – including North West Electronics – and comes at an important time as they work their way through this downturn and make plans to capitalise on the economic recovery when it comes. We must now keep up the momentum."

(NS/BMcC)