U4D welcomes Vice Chancellor's offer

Recent statements from the University of Ulster demonstrate a realisation of the need for co-operation with all interested and, most especially, local stakeholders, including U4D and Ilex, regarding the development of Magee. This is strongly welcomed by U4D, which is fully committed to this approach.

"We thank the University of Ulster's Vice Chancellor Richard Barnett for the positive approach now being taken both towards the expansion of Magee and welcome this opportunity to engage more effectively with the University, both through the Ilex process and the Davies Strategic Review of Higher Education. We greatly appreciate the support of Ilex, DCC, the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Magee staff and now importantly the University in seeking to deliver the significant expansion of the University in Derry," said U4D chair, Padraig Canavan.

"Working through Ilex, and with the support of Derry City Council and the city's Strategy Board, we are very hopeful that a single set of proposals for the development of Magee can now be envisioned, which have the full support of both the University of Ulster and all the representatives of the city, including U4D. This spirit of co-operation is a very important step forward.

"Equally important is to hold in mind the prize being sought: Derry as a University City with ten thousand plus students; a thriving knowledge-based economy; an attractive regenerated physical environment; equality and access for all who wish to avail of it; and a City increasingly renowned nationally and internationally for its culture, education, industry and innovation.

"U4D reaffirms its commitment to working as closely as possible with the University of Ulster to achieve these aspirations. Our aims are inspired by the recognition of what we already have and just how much could be achieved for Derry/Londonderry if it becomes a recognizably University City.

"Thanks to the presence here of the University of Ulster, Magee is already a centre of excellence in several disciplines. We greatly admire this: what we now want to achieve, with the University of Ulster, is to build on this further for the benefit of the City region and its wider population. We believe that all parties are now constructively engaged in delivering not just the University in Derry but a university for Derry."

U4D - University for Derry - has been established by leaders of the community and business sectors in the North West of Ireland. Its aim is to substantially expand the provision of undergraduate and post-graduate education in Londonderry, based on the existing Magee campus. U4D believes that this is essential to address the serious economic weakness of the region and the related poverty.