Minister Affirms Commitment to Ulster University Expansion
Northern Ireland's economy minister remains fully committed to the expansion plans for Ulster University’s campus in Londonderry, despite ongoing questions about the funding required to support an increase in student numbers.
On Tuesday, Ian Snowden, the senior official at the Department for the Economy (DfE), stated that the additional funding needed could only be secured if the Executive reallocates resources from other areas or by raising student fees.
The Londonderry campus, formerly known as Magee, currently enrolls approximately 6,500 students, with a target to increase this figure to 10,000 by the year 2032.
The Department for the Economy has emphasized that the campus is a "top priority" for Minister Caoimhe Archibald.
Funding Challenges Highlighted by Department Official
During a session with Stormont's economy committee, Snowden explained that expanding both the Derry campus and another Ulster University campus at Coleraine would require an additional £40 million annually.
He reiterated that this funding could only be obtained if the Executive decides to allocate money from other budget areas or opts to increase student fees.
In response to these comments, the DfE issued a statement to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, clarifying that Minister Archibald has ruled out any increase in student fees beyond the rate of inflation.
"The minister's priority will be to work with Executive colleagues to identify solutions that support growth at Magee without placing additional burdens on students," the department said.
The department also noted that Snowden's remarks were made in response to a question regarding budgetary pressures faced by the department.
Furthermore, the DfE reaffirmed that the minister "remains fully committed to the target" of raising student numbers in Derry to 10,000.
It was highlighted that student enrollment at Magee has already increased by 22% since the restoration of the Executive.
Strategic Importance of Campus Expansion
The expansion of the Derry campus is widely regarded as a significant economic driver for the north west region.
The goal of reaching 10,000 students was included in the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) agreement, which restored Northern Ireland's Executive in 2020.
Additionally, a commitment to expand the campus to accommodate 10,000 students was incorporated into Stormont's programme of government last year.
In 2024, a taskforce was established to develop and oversee an action plan for the campus expansion in Derry.
Its chair, Stephen Kelly, who will present to the economy committee later on Wednesday, commented on Snowden’s role and the minister’s responsibilities.
"As the department's chief financial officer, Snowden has a responsibility to raise his concerns over the department's finances.
But it is for the minister to decide where investment goes," he said.
Kelly also noted that Minister Archibald is currently in the United States and is expected to begin making decisions about budget allocations upon her return next week.
