Investment of 拢100m for Causeway coast and glens

Image source, Causeway Coast and Glens Council

Image caption, The first and deputy first miniters both attended the signing of the deal
  • Author, Elaine Mitchell
  • Role, North East Reporter

A range of projects for towns across Causeway Coast and Glens council area have been announced as part of a 拢100m growth deal.

The UK government has allocated 拢36m of the money, matched by 拢36m from the Northern Ireland Executive, with partner contributions making up the rest.

The formal signing of the terms took place at Ulster University鈥檚 Coleraine Campus on Wednesday morning.

, will focus on the areas of tourism and regeneration, infrastructure and digital and Innovation.

Projects outlined in the deal include:

  • Centre for food and drug discovery at Ulster University Coleraine
  • Business innovation and incubation hub at Atlantic Link Coleraine
  • Innovation hub at North West Regional College, Limavady
  • Bushmills connected: regeneration project
  • Dungiven regeneration
  • Cushendall innovation centre
  • Coleraine leisure and wellbeing centre
  • Connected Causeway traffic and parking
  • Portrush to Bushmills greenway
Image caption, The First Minister and deputy First Minister attended the event

First Minister Michelle O鈥橬eill said it was a great opportunity.

"The deals are helping to create a more dynamic and competitive economy here," she said.

"Importantly, the deals will have a positive impact on the quality of life for so many including our young people, our businesses, and the many visitors who flock to the Causeway coast and glens.鈥

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly told the audience that her childhood was 鈥渇orged in the caravans and beaches of the Causeway coast and glens鈥.

鈥淭he increase in key transport links will also attract more visitors to this beautiful area," she said.

Image caption, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald is from Coleraine

'Game-changer'

Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald, who is from Coleraine, said the investment was a "starting point to stimulate growth".

"The substantial injection of 拢100million into the Causeway coast and glens region is a game-changer for the area," she said.

Northern Ireland Office Minister Lord Caine said the deal had the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the region.

鈥淚 hope it can take us one step further to Northern Ireland being the best place in the world to invest," he said.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Steven Callaghan said it was just the beginning of the journey.