Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council signs £129m Growth Deal to unlock major investment

The signing of the Growth Deal Financial Agreement represents one of the most significant milestones to date in the Growth Deal process, confirming the full funding package and enabling investment to begin flowing into transformational projects across the Borough.

The funding package includes £36 million from the UK Government, £36 million from the Northern Ireland Executive and £57 million from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and delivery partners.

The agreement follows years of collaborative planning to bring forward a programme designed to boost productivity, enhance innovation, support regeneration, and create new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.

While the Causeway Coast and Glens region is renowned for its natural beauty, strong tourism sector, and local enterprise, challenges remain including below-average wages, seasonal employment, and a declining working-age population. The signing of the Growth Deal, said Causeway Coast and Glens Council, confirms the beginning of delivery aimed at addressing these issues and strengthening long-term prosperity.

With the phase one projects representing 66% of the £129 million Growth Deal investment, this phase of the programme is moving towards delivery, with a number of priority projects progressing at different stages of development.

Ulster University’s Centre for Food and Drug Discovery at Coleraine will move forward as a key Phase One investment. This leading-edge, industry-facing ‘one-stop shop’ will collaborate with companies from concept to commercialisation, enhancing population health while positioning Northern Ireland as a global hub for food innovation and drug discovery.

Alongside this, the three other Phase One projects will progress towards delivery – Coleraine Leisure & Wellbeing Centre, the North West Regional College Foodovation & Skills Centre, and a major regeneration programme for Dungiven town centre.

Looking ahead to Phase Two, while project details are still under development, there are five proposals which are targeting transformative benefits for the region including a Business Innovation & Incubation Hub, Bushmills Regeneration, Cushendall Innovation Centre, a parking and transport project and the Portrush to Giant’s Causeway Greenway.

Over the next 12 months, work will continue on the development of business cases for these projects.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said the deal 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.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “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.”

Deputy First Minister, Emma Litte-Pengelly said the deal 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.”