Joint Visit by the Finance and Economy Ministers to Ulster University and North West Regional College
Wednesday 6th August 2025, saw the Finance Minister John O’Dowd and the Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, join Mayor Oliver McMullan in visiting two key innovation projects for the Borough's Growth Deal. The Ministers visited Ulster University, Coleraine. to hear all about their plans for their Centre for Food & Drug Discovery and then on to North West Regional College in Limavady to find out about their proposed Foodovation & Skills Centre.
Speaking after a visit to Ulster University and North West Regional College, Minister O’Dowd said: “I welcome the opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal is having driving innovation and equipping the region with the skills it needs to thrive.
“The £110 million investment through the Growth Deal will create high-quality jobs, help attract and retain talent, support local businesses, and strengthen the regional economy.
“The Centre for Food & Drug Discovery at Ulster University Coleraine will significantly expand research capacity and industry collaboration to help bring new products to market; while the Foodovation ™ and Skills Centre at the North West Regional College Limavady will ensure the local food industry has access to a highly skilled workforce and the expertise needed to grow and scale their businesses.
“I have no doubt these projects will assist in local economic growth, creating better opportunities for everyone.”
Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald added: “The Causeway Coast & Glens Growth Deal is a real opportunity to support and harness the talent in this region.
“Focusing on a number of my priority sectors, and with innovation at their heart, the projects show the ambition of everyone involved and the power of collaboration across industry, academia and the public sector.
“The Centre for Food & Drug Discovery will offer unique expertise and first-on-island platforms to support scientific discovery across human and animal health, and bioactives for agri-food. While the Foodovation ™ & Skills Centre will support food and drink businesses with skills development, technical assistance and expert advice to nurture their innovative food and drink ideas from concept to creation.
“These are just two of the projects proposed as part of a wider programme that will deliver real economic benefits for this region and our wider economy.”
