Newly created Ulster University Magee Taskforce holds first meeting

The newly created Ulster University Magee Taskforce held its inaugural meeting yesterday.

The taskforce, launched last month by Economy Minister Conor Murphy, will develop and oversee an action plan to expand Ulster University’s Derry campus to 10,000 students.

The taskforce agreed its terms of reference and received updates from the Department for the Economy, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Ulster University about their work to date and how they will support the taskforce in delivering a co-designed action plan by December 2024.

Having received an initial update from the Department, Council and University, the taskforce will consider adding further members to address any specific gaps, need or skills as well as inviting input and engagement. They will meet again in around one month to ensure work continues at pace.

Minister Murphy said: "I am pleased that the Magee Taskforce has held its first meeting and has already started to hear representations from stakeholders on what would be required to expand the campus to 10,000 students. 

"Achieving this figure is a commitment under New Decade New Approach and a key priority of mine. The expansion of the campus will act as a prime enabler for economic growth in the North West region. 

"I wish the Taskforce members well and look forward to receiving its action plan in due course."

Confirmed taskforce members currently include:

• Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI (Chair)
   
• Nicola Skelly, Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Program (Vice Chair) 
   
• Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University
   
• Moira Doherty, Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group, Department for the Economy
   
• Steven Lindsay, Deputy Vice President, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
   
• Alison Wallace, Strategy Manager, Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership
   
• Paddy Mackel, Representative from University and College Union
   
• Paul Hannigan, Head of College, Atlantic Technological College Donegal
   
• Rebecca Allen, President, Ulster University Students Union
   
• Dawn McLaughlin, Non-Executive Director, Invest NI
   
• John Kelpie, Chief Executive, Derry City & Strabane District Council
   
• Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive, North West Regional College
   
• Gavin Kileen MBE, Managing Director, Nuprint Technologies Limited