Protest this afternoon over Magee expansion plans controversy

A protest will be held this afternoon after it was revealed today that expansion plans at the Magee campus in Derry are ‘off the table’.

A Stormont Minister today said the expansion of the local campus of the University of Ulster was ‘off the table’ for the foreseeable future.

A campaign has been ongoing for several years calling for more investment to be made at the local campus in order to increase the number of students.

However, that campaign was dealt a huge blow this morning when the Learning Minister Stephen Farry said Magee expansions would not proceed in the near future.

Speaking on the BBC’s Nolan Show, Mr Farry said any plans to increase the student numbers at Magee were ‘off the table’ because of proposed budget cuts faced by the Northern Ireland Executive.

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan said the Minister's decision and how it was made public as 'disgraceful'.
 
Sinn Fein has organized a protest at the Magee campus at 12.30pm today.

Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Maeve McLaughlin said the expansion of Magee was crucial for the regeneration of Derry.

"All voices in the city are united in calling for the expansion of the university.

"It is a key component of the One Plan and, as such,  a Programme for Government commitment agreed by the Executive.
 
"Stephen Farry is practising microphone diplomacy, announcing unilateral decisions on the airwaves and is playing politics with vital issues.

"It is totally wrong to use the proposed Tory-led welfare cuts as an excuse to block the expansion of Magee.”