A major £129 million Growth Deal for the Causeway Coast and Glens was formally signed today at the North West Regional College (NWRC) in Limavady. The signing of the Financial Agreement marks a pivotal milestone, finalising the funding package and allowing investment to begin flowing into priority projects throughout the Borough.

The funding structure includes:

• £36 million from the UK Government

• £36 million from the Northern Ireland Executive

• £57 million from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and its delivery partners

The deal aims to address regional economic challenges, such as seasonal employment and below-average wages, by fostering innovation and enhancing the area's long-term prosperity.

Phase One: Moving to Delivery

With 66% of the total investment allocated to Phase One, several key projects are now set to progress:

• Ulster University Centre for Food and Drug Discovery (Coleraine): A leading industry hub for pharmaceutical innovation and food research.

• NWRC Foodovation & Skills Centre: A major refurbishment at the Limavady campus, expected to support 75 new food sector jobs and train over 400 people annually.

• Coleraine Leisure & Wellbeing Centre: A flagship facility for community health.

• Dungiven Town Centre Regeneration: A comprehensive programme to revitalise the local urban environment.

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Phase Two: Future Ambitions

Over the next 12 months, business cases will be developed for five additional proposals, including the Portrush to Giant's Causeway Greenway, the Bushmills Regeneration project, and the Cushendall Innovation Centre.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, remarked: "The signing today of a £129 million Growth Deal marks a major step forward for Causeway Coast and Glens. It is not simply an investment in infrastructure, it is about investing in our people and the places we call home. It is a real opportunity to create jobs, improve skills, and bring new life into our towns and villages, ensuring this investment is felt right across the area. This is about delivery on the ground and making a real and lasting difference for the future."

Welcoming the deal, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "This £129 million Growth Deal marks an exciting new chapter for Causeway Coast and Glens, unlocking long-term investment in the people, places and potential of this region.

"The Executive is proud to be investing £36 million to drive forward projects that will create good jobs, support innovation and strengthen local communities, making a real difference to people's lives. Ensuring regional balance is a key priority for the Executive, so that every part of our society benefits from investment and opportunity. This Deal is an important step in delivering that ambition and building a stronger, more balanced economy."

Deputy First Minister, Emma Litte-Pengelly said: "This £129 million Growth Deal is a significant moment for Causeway Coast and Glens marking the move from planning to delivery. Backed by £36million from the Executive, the Deal will provide much needed support to get key projects underway, supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving regeneration across the Borough.

"It will revitalise town centres, support businesses, and create more opportunities for people to live and work in the area. By working together, we can ensure this investment delivers real and lasting impact, supporting sustainable economic growth and creating opportunity for people right across the region."

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP welcomed the boost to digital and innovation projects, while Finance Minister John O'Dowd noted that the framework would unlock local potential and support long-term economic recovery.

Leo Murphy, Principal of NWRC, expressed pride in hosting the signing, noting that the college's new Foodovation centre will deliver 140 innovation projects annually, bringing real prosperity to the region.