Author: Paddy Hannigan

Members of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership met at the An Grianan Hotel in Burt Co. Donegal this week for a winter plenary session to celebrate and raise awareness of the hugely important work of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership, the North West Development Group and the North West Development Fund.

This high-level meeting was held between senior Government officials from both the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government and civic leaders and partners and officials from Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council.

A key element of the meeting was the launch of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster’s Memorandum of Understanding, showcasing the important vision of further and higher level education provision in the North West. This unique and innovative partnership between ATU, Ulster University, the NWRC and Donegal ETB assists with the growth of third level education places across the region. It emanates from the strong cross border working relationship over the years and the excellent work done to develop each institution’s capacities to achieve their respective missions through enhanced cooperation.

Members attending the meeting received a comprehensive overview on the achievements of the North West Strategic Partnership and the positive impact it has on the North West City Region.

There also was a series of detailed discussions by panels made up of key partners and representatives. Among the topics discussed were the Territorial co-operation of the North West City Region; Infrastructure and spatial growth and how to achieve Net Zero by 2045 and the potential of green growth with the Regional Energy Agency Investment Concept.

Delegates were also given the opportunity to hear at first-hand about the joint cross border Colmcille Arts and Culture Project from Donegal County Council project officer, Deirdre Harte.

The North West Strategic Growth Partnership is a unique structure that was first established in 2016 through the North South Ministerial Council, to provide support and discussion to the North West City Region.

Jointly led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, and chaired by the two Mayors, the meeting is supported by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD). The Partnership is established in conjunction with and supported by The Executive Office and The Irish Government.

Jointly chairing the meeting was Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Patricia Logue, who welcomed the innovative cross border work being taken forward by all partners.

She said: “This is a significant meeting that is attended by very senior officers from government across the island of Ireland who are doing a tremendous amount of work to look at the growth needs of the region. I was very impressed with the level of work that is taking place on important issues relating to further and higher education and was delighted to welcome the Tertiary Education Partnership to the meeting to hear at first-hand about their ambitious and forward thinking vision for third level education provision across the North West City Region. The signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their existing relationship will allow all four institutions to continue with their work in capitalising opportunities to improve third level education provision for all.”

Referring to the panel discussions, the Mayor said they highlighted the joined up approach being taken across all our partners to really develop and address the regional priorities for the growth and development across this North West City Region.

“It was also positive to hear about the achievements of the North West Strategic Partnership and about the success of the Colmcille project in creating greater awareness and appreciation of the life of St Colmcille. I was also glad to hear about the commitment to achieving Net Zero and putting green growth top of our agenda going forward.”

An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley welcomed all participants to the meeting and highlighted the significance of this unique partnership.  He said that by working together the partners had successfully linked local and central government to work collectively to address regional growth and development.

Welcoming the signing of the updated MOU, he said: “The signing of the updated MOU formalises the existing strong working relationship between the four institutions to work together to enhance opportunities for students in research, innovation, education and training. Through this collaborative approach they can ensure the student pathway is enhanced to provide a quality further and higher education experience for all.”

He said: “It is also important that we acknowledge the achievements of these partnerships and the fund and how since 2016 we have been working collectively as a unique partnership to support the region’s commitment to growth.   I am proud of what we have achieved since this time and the leadership role we have taken to ensure there is a joined-up approach to everything that we do. It is important that we continue to focus on a collaborative cross border vision for the region in terms of spatial planning, transport connectivity, education provision and green transformation.

Extending a sincere thanks to everyone participating in the meeting, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie said it was more important than ever that these strong links with senior government officials are retained and re-emphasised the importance of collaboration.

John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council also thanked all participants saying the partnerships were hugely beneficial in further strengthening links between the two Councils, its partners and the two governments. Referencing the signing of the MOU between the education partners, he reiterated how collaboration is key to successfully develop a City Region that is thriving, sustainable and prosperous.

The collaborative efforts of Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ulster University (UU), North West Regional College (NWRC), and Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) are aimed at helping the North West City Region grow and become a significant growth centre for Ireland and Northern Ireland on the European and global stage.

North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) announces the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bring greater coherence to the education and skills provided by the four tertiary education partners and also further develop the research and innovation capacity of the North West City Region. The MOU was signed on Thursday, November 30, in An Grianán Hotel, Burt, Co. Donegal.

NWTEC in conjunction with the North West Strategic Growth Partnership (NWSGP) and key stakeholders, aspire to create a Shared North West—a connected, high-performing region through Smart Growth, Sustainable Growth, and Inclusive Growth. The MOU builds on the previous collaboration with a renewed emphasis on the provision of a comprehensive regional tertiary education portfolio with clear study pathways and increased joint initiatives on access, programme provision, research development, innovation supports, and community engagement.

In February 2018, NWSGP in partnership with the four tertiary education partners announced a new agreement in education, training and innovation to establish the now-titled North West Tertiary Education Cluster. NWSGP is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council and is a unique interjurisdictional structure endorsed by both Governments through the North South Ministerial Council.

Dr. Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, stated; “The re-signing of the MOU confirms ATU’s commitment to cross-border collaboration. This forward-focused cluster, working closely with industry representatives, responds to skills gaps, boosts the local economy, and strengthens the skills base for current and future jobs through pathways and progression routes. NWTEC’s renewed commitment reflects a shared dedication to shaping the future of the North West City Region through education, innovation, and collaboration.”

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University said, “The North West Tertiary Education Cluster is borne out of longstanding collaborations and strong links between all four institutions, bringing together Further Education and Higher Education partners in the North West city region to form a strategic alliance. This updated agreement reaffirms the commitment to the shared endeavours of Ulster University, North West Regional College, Donegal ETB and the region’s newest institution, Atlantic Technological University.

“Indeed we were delighted to join representatives from ATU in Boston recently for the annual Golden Bridges Conference, alongside Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council delegations. “Since the initial agreement in 2018, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) has evolved as a brand and a meaningful partnership. We look forward to further developing this collaboration in the years ahead, focusing on Region and Place, Programmes and Pathways, Postgraduate and Research Capacity, Enterprise Engagement and Community Supports.”

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College, emphasized the NWTEC agreement’s significance in driving skills, innovation, and investment. He sees it as a shared vision for a regional strategic alliance that delivers coordinated cross-border tertiary education.

Donegal ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh welcomed the re-signing of the MoU stating, “Donegal ETB places great value on its work with our education partners in the North West Tertiary Education Cluster as we can see the benefits of collaboration for our county and region. We have worked well together on a range of initiatives since 2018 and we look forward to building upon the achievements to date and to further strengthening the bonds in the years to come.”

NWTEC and NWSGP are committed to further developing the profile of the North West as an attractive location to work, live, study, and invest; and to support the development of sustainable new enterprises that have the potential to offer high-quality employment.

The conference recognised the important work that many grassroots organisations were involved in prior to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement which celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year.

Many civic society groups were doing the hard work of cooperation and building understanding, often below the radar or without great acclaim.

NWTEC were a sponsor for this event and Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, represented the cluster on one of the conference panels. In her address, she outlined that the work of NWTEC was about putting the North West region first and that this was important because the region was the most economically disadvantaged region on the island of Ireland.  She outlined the importance of this collaborative working to ensure that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region had access to the skills, innovation, and research that will enable them grow and prosper; and also work as a pull factor for foreign and direct investment (FDI) considering a new base.  Orla also outlined that the retention of graduates is centrally important and the role that the NWTEC partners can play in providing pathways from further education to research is the way to address this.

The keynote speakers at the conference were the acclaimed artist Colin Davidson and Mr Tim O’Connor who was a senior official in the Irish Government team that participated in the talks that led to the agreement of 10 April 1998. Colin outlined his work on the “Silent Testimony” exhibition of paintings, completed in 2015, which examined the legacy of the troubles. Tim set out his personal perspective on the development of the good will that created the opportunity for the accord and the negotiations that led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

North West Tertiary Education cluster (NWTEC) recently celebrated being recognised as a model of best practice at a European level, lifting the Professional Higher Education Award for Regional Dimension for their presentation on, “Leading from the North West of Ireland” at the 32^nd EURASHE Annual Conference. The conference theme was Skills for Europe – Mobilising Education for the Green and Digital Transitions and was held at the University Politechnica of Bucharest in June.

EURASHE, the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education was established in 1990 and has been working since to strengthen the sector on national and European levels.  Paul Hannigan, Head of College at ATU Donegal, has served on the EURASHE board on two occasions and it was a fitting tribute that Paul would be acknowledged and recognised in this way for his sterling work in promoting balanced regional development across the North West City Region for over 20 years.

Stepping down from his role as EURASHE board member and handing over the reins to his colleague Dr Liam Brown, Vice President of Technological University of the Shannon, Paul reflects on his time on the board and in particular the benefits of being part of such a vibrant European network.

 

Paul accepted the award on behalf of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, a strategic alliance between four publicly funded tertiary education institutions in the North West City Region encompassing ATU, Ulster University, North West Regional College and Donegal Education and Training board.

Over the years, the project has seen a significant impact on the North West region. The cluster partners work closely with Industry representatives through a newly established Smart Industry Board responding to skills gaps in the region and work in collaboration to develop pathways and progression routes for students between further and higher education.  The cluster aims to boost the economy of the North West City Region by strengthening the local skills base for current and future jobs and reduce the number of students leaving the region for what they perceive as better opportunities elsewhere.

Paul is responsible for cross border engagement across ATU and sees the cluster as having the potential to establish the North West Region as a significant growth centre for Ireland and Northern Ireland on the European and global stage.

Over 150 young people from across Donegal and the North West attended the Youthopia Future Fair in Oakfield Park in Raphoe on Thursday (27th April).

YOUTHopia is an EU funded project led by the Assembly of European Regions in partnership with Donegal County Council. The YOUTHopia project aims to make sure that young people across Europe understand and are aware of EU Cohesion Policy and seize the opportunities it offers.

The impact of Cohesion Policy on young people in Europe was the focus of the YOUTHopia Future Fair 2023. Cathaoirleach Liam Blaney welcomed Micheal O’Heanaigh, the Assembly of European Regions Vice President for Youth, Culture & Tourism to the event who touched on Cohesion Policy impacts.

YOUTHopia Future Fair highlighted the unique opportunities and challenges that young people face, topics which all the keynote speakers touched upon. The speakers included one of Europe’s youngest serial entrepreneurs, Jordan Casey who spoke about youth entrepreneurship and his journey growing his own tech business.

Carmel Irandoust, the founder of NETOVE spoke about being an advocate for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Justice and Peace. Local youth entrepreneur from Letterkenny, Sab Medlar from SourcedBySab also talked about her journey in setting up her own business in Donegal. Youth Climate Ambassador Taidhg Trocme provided an insightful and thought-provoking talk on climate change.

This one day event had an action packed agenda allowing the participants to take part in interactive workshops focused on topics including career pathways, skills for the future, innovative project design and creating a professional LinkedIn profile and CV. Donegal Youth Council MC Erin Gallagher and friends were on hand to keep the event running smoothly.

YOUTHopia was held in partnership with the North West Tertiary Education Cluster comprised of the ATU, Donegal ETB, the North West Regional College and Ulster University. JoAnne Kilmartin from the NWTEC said “with 2023 being the EU Year of Skills, the North West Tertiary Education cluster was delighted to co-host the YOUTHopia event providing an opportunity for young people in the region to learn first-hand about the future of work and skills and the pathways available from all four educational providers in the North West City Region”.

The young people in attendance also got to experience fun activities provided by Donegal Sports Partnerships “Lets Play Donegal!” initiative and enjoyed an amazing freestyle football demonstration and tutorial by 4-time and current Irish Freestyle Football Champion, Conor Reynolds!

A brilliant event that can be summed up by Nelson Mandela’s quote “Youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”.

On Friday 7^th October 2022, Atlantic Technological University hosted a conference exploring the economic and social potential of the North West region in terms of education and employment, with insights from guest speakers.

The conference was addressed by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Mr. Simon Harris T.D., who outlined the Government’s commitment to supporting education collaboration on an all-Island basis.

Over 150 guests attended the event with economist, David Mc Williams sharing his views on best practice for transforming the region into a growing economy.

Former RTE Northern Editor, Tommie Gorman hosted the event which examined cross-border activity taking place in the region and highlighted plans for future collaboration in terms of employment and education, with partners working in collaboration to provide leadership, opportunity and the development of a talent pipeline for the region and beyond.

The conference was organised by the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) comprising of the four main Educational Institutions in the region, and includes Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), Ulster University (UU) and North West Regional College (NWRC). The cluster was established with the aim to bring about real and positive change to the region by supporting enhanced economic prosperity and social benefits to the region through education and employment.  Funding for this initiative in 2019 and 2020 was secured through the Irish Higher Education Authority (HEA), and specifically a funding stream to support the restructuring of the higher education landscape.

Speaking about the conference, President of the ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, referring to the skilled workforce, availability of talent, connectivity, and the quality of life in the region, said: “This is a project of huge strategic importance to the North West and one ATU is delighted to be a partner in. Together with Donegal ETB, Ulster University and North West Regional College, we want to make the North West region an attractive place to study and work and this cluster will play a vital role with other key stakeholders to ensure that we continue to develop the region for everyone”.

Vice-Chancellor and President of Ulster University, Professor Paul Bartholomew further added, “Since the formalising of our further and higher education cluster in 2018, collaboration between the partner institutions on both sides of the border has continued to present opportunities to deliver on our shared vision and objectives for the region and beyond.  Improving access to tertiary education and training for students living and studying in the North West City Region, the partnership is increasingly informed by those core growth sectors that are reflected in Ulster University’s contribution to the Derry City and Strabane District Council City Deal.

Through enabling progressive student pathways that reflect current and future careers across diverse sectors such as healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, industry 4.0 and data science, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster is uniquely placed to support the career aspirations of students and the growth ambitions of the region.”

The conference concluded by hearing from leaders in industry and education discussing why it is best to look to the North West.