Day of celebration for Londonderry as city growth deal is signed
It comes amid funding uncertainty for two other deals in Northern Ireland.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A day of celebration has been hailed in Londonderry with the signing of a multimillion-pound city and growth deal.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were among those in Derry for the signing of the deal on Wednesday.
Derry City and Strabane mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr described the sense of pride of the council working with government and partners to see the deal delivered.
It comes amid uncertainty around funding for two other deals covering Causeway Coast and Glens and the Mid South West after it emerged last week that the cash was to be paused amid a spending review.
The whole of Northern Ireland is covered by four city and growth deals worth a total of £1.7 billion.
A Westminster Government decision to pause funding until its upcoming spending review was met with widespread anger from local politicians when it was announced late on Friday.
Over the weekend it was clarified that two of the deals, Belfast regions, and Derry City and Strabane, will not be affected by the suspension.
However, the remaining two deals are still subject to the funding pause.
The Derry City and Strabane deal was signed during an event at the Guildhall on Wednesday morning.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.