Foyle is the only site for Magee expansion: Farry

He said that whilst there was scope for limited expansion on the existing Magee site growth on the Foyle and Londonderry site was the preferred option.

DUP MLA Gregory Campbell asked the Minister whether alternative sites were being considered for the expansion of the Magee Campus, other than the existing Foyle and Londonderry College site.

Dr Farry replied: “The University of Ulster has advised that whilst some expansion can take place on its current site, the University’s preferred site for expansion beyond the current site remains the Foyle and Londonderry College site. No other sites are currently being considered.”

It follows comments by Sinn Féin OFMDFM Minister Martina Anderson suggesting that expansion should proceed whether the Foyle and Londonderry co-location with Ebrington proceeds or not.

Ms Anderson had commented: “I would like to point out that increasing the intake of students at Magee does not have to be dependent on a decision on relocation of Foyle & Londonderry.

“The present campus is capable of accommodating up to another 2000 students and we should not be waiting for a decision on relocating or new buildings to begin to exploit the potential of Magee.”