Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and North West Regional College (NWRC) have collaborated to create a unique cross border pathway for learners to advance their studies in Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology. The initiative endorsed by Hyundai and launched last month, part of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, welcomed the first cohort to the campuses last week.

The North West Tertiary Education Cluster was established in 2018 and brings together the four education partners in the North West City Region namely, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, North West Regional College and Donegal ETB. The aim of the cluster is to provide pathways and progression routes for students on a cross border basis and to work with industry to ensure greater economic prosperity and high value jobs for the region.

Talking about this new collaboration, ATU Donegal, Head of College, Paul Hannigan says; “I am delighted to see this pathway created for our students. There has been significant emphasis on institutional engagement activity over recent years and it’s great to see our learners benefit from the relationships that have been built in this area. The cluster plays a key role in driving the development of the North West region and this education pathway is an example of the great work that is being done”.

Dr. Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards at NWRC says; “The college is delighted to work in partnership with ATU on this extremely beneficial cross-border collaboration which provides an opportunity to upskill or reskill in this cutting-edge technology. The programme is one of a number planned by the North West Tertiary Education Cluster as we continue to work to bring about real and positive change by supporting enhanced economic prosperity and social benefits to the region through education, training and skills. I wish the participants well and I hope to see them progress to a full degree at ATU when they complete the programme.”

This new collaborative programme (Level 6 ROI, Level 4 Northern Ireland equivalent) is fully funded by the Department of the Economy, Northern Ireland and provides a steppingstone for graduates to advance to the degree programme in EV Technology at ATU, a new cross-border education and training pathway developed in partnership by NWRC and ATU.

This course will allow graduates to work in an industry embarking on the rapid transition to electrified propulsion. This cross-border initiative provides opportunities for learners in the NW region to gain knowledge in this rapidly changing industry and will provide graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their careers.

During the course, which is 15 weeks in duration, students will spend two days a week learning practical skills at NWRC’s Springtown Campus, with one day of online learning delivered by ATU. Find out more

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North West Tertiary Education Cluster welcomes the signing of the financial agreement for the very important City Deal & Inclusive Future Fund for Derry-Londonderry & Strabane which will be important for stimulating the economy in the North West City Region.

The key partners responsible for the delivery of the Derry~Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal, have welcomed today’s signing of the financial deal at the Guildhall, and reinforced their commitment to working collectively to deliver on the projects that will bring about growth, investment and prosperity for the region. Of the total funding, the UK Government has provided £50 million City Deal funding and £55 million via the Inclusive Future Fund, which has been match funded by the Northern Ireland Executive with contributions by Derry City and Strabane District Council and its project partners of £83 million.

The key delivery partners of the City Deal, led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, are the Ulster University, the Western Health and Social Services Trust, Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre (C-TRIC-Ltd) and the North West Regional College.

Among the strategic projects included in the investment package are plans to develop a new combined Cognitive Analytics and Digital Robotics Innovation Centre (CADRIC) at Ulster University; a new teaching and research accommodation at Ulster University’s School of Medicine and Personalised Medicine Centre, a teaching facility and new build extension at C-TRIC Ltd and a SMART/Digital City programme that will place the city at the leading edge of urban innovation, supporting the development of smart specialisations across a range of sectors and public service delivery.

Welcoming this important milestone, Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice Chancellor of Ulster University said: “Ulster University, along with the Derry City and Strabane District Council, the NI Executive, the UK Government, and other delivery partners, have a relentless ambition to deliver growth, investment and prosperity for the North West region. Our shared commitment to this ambition is clearly demonstrated by the Derry-Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal and this is another significant milestone in our journey to ensuring that this region, and its people, see the economic and community benefits of our work. ”

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College (NWRC) said: “Today’s signing of the Financial Deal at the Guildhall brings us another step forward to seeing major change in the North West with long term plans that will drive further investment in this City and District Region. At NWRC we are committed to working with our partners on City Deal which will be the largest ever investment in this region and move forward in key areas of development and innovation.

“I believe this will be a catalyst for change and bring us closer to becoming the place we need to be, as we strive to build the skills of people in our city and district.

“Proposals for the development of a replacement site for our Strabane Campus have the potential to make a significant contribution to the future socio-economic regeneration of the Strabane region. We must continue to work together to provide greater higher-level learning and career opportunities in the region.”

Michelle O’Neill thanked the Chamber for their contribution to the local economy.  Great to hear about the plans for the North West and the huge potential for the future.  Good to see commitment to the NWCR.

Celebrating a shared journey and the path ahead at the CCBC 25^th anniversary conference held in Dundalk.

Dr Orla Flynn (Atlantic Technological University President) chairs Panel 3 – Choosing the right path panel discussion sponsored by North West Tertiary Education Cluster

Ulster University hosted the Hume O’ Neill Peace lecture 2024 in the city of Londonderry where An Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke about putting our minds and money towards education provision in the North West City Region through North West Tertiary Education Cluster

North West Tertiary Education Cluster extend a huge CONGRATULATIONS!!! to the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards recipients David Mc Court, Caroleann Gallagher & Billy Higgins for their substantial achievements and unstinting support for this region and its diaspora #northwestcityregion #Collaboration

The North West Tertiary Education Cluster recently celebrated, for the second year in a row, recognition at a European level, winning the Professional Higher Education Star Award for Local and Regional Impact at the EURASHE Annual Conference.

This success at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Austria follows on from winning the equivalent award at the University Politechnica, Bucharest, Hungary in June 2023.

The NWTEC presentation was delivered by Paul Hannigan, Head of College, ATU Donegal; Anne Mc Hugh, Chief Executive, Donegal Education and Training Board; JoAnne Kilmartin, NWTEC Project Officer, ATU Donegal; and Wendy Gibbons, NWTEC Project Officer, North West Regional College. With less than 20% of submitted abstracts securing invitations to present, it was a great honour for NWTEC to achieve this accolade.  A total of three awards were presented for EURASHE 2024 contributions in the categories: Applied Research and Innovation; Upskilling, Reskilling, and Future Skills; and Local and Regional Impact. The NWTEC team received their well-earned award from President of EURASHE Hannes Raffaseder, CEO/President St. Pölten, University of Applied Sciences.

The theme for the EURASHE annual conference hosted by St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Austri was Stronger Together – Fostering Transitional Cooperation in Applied Universities. 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 to support Applied Higher Education. Three purposes were at the origin of EURASHE:

• to promote the interests of Applied Higher Education at national and European level,
• to cooperate internationally on the development of Applied Higher Education,
• to promote internationalisation within its member institutions.

The NWTEC presentation was entitled “Collaborating for a Shared North West, a Connected, High Performing Region”. The presentation highlighted that to further the economic prosperity for the North West City Region (NWCR), encompassing County Donegal and the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, that NWTEC through its member institutions actively engages with the national and international diaspora to ensure the region can accumulate the necessary support and infrastructure for the region to achieve its full potential.

 

 

On Wednesday 29 May 2024, Ulster University hosted a joint conference between the Centre for Cross Border Studies and the North West Tertiary Education Cluster.

The focus of the conference was very much around the future and what desirable transformation could be achieved for Ireland and Northern Ireland via more coherent planning.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Centre for Cross Border Studies (CCBS) is an independent organisation with charitable status, based in Armagh. By empowering citizens and building capacity across sectors, the Centre promotes and supports practical cooperation across the border on this island as part of the ongoing peace and reconciliation process, as well as cooperation between the island of Ireland and Great Britain, Europe and beyond to increase mutual understanding, prosperity and wellbeing. The Centre also provides practical information and advice for those crossing the border to live, work, study or retire – information and advice that is increasingly being sought after in the context of Brexit.

North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) is now an established strategic alliance of all four publicly funded tertiary education providers in the North West City Region: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ulster University (UU), North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board. This deep partnership provides the full range of educational services including advanced skills training, cutting-edge innovation supports for enterprise, and internationally recognised high-quality research.

The conference was addressed by the ministers in both jurisdictions with responsibility for higher education, Mr Conor Murphy MLA, Economy Minister and Mr Patrick O Donovan TD, Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Speaking at the conference, Minister O’ Donovan said ” I am delighted to be here in Ulster University, this morning to speak at today’s conference. The North-West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC) has evolved as a brand and a meaningful partnership focusing on supporting the development of this Region. It has been to the forefront in promoting and highlighting education, advanced skills training, cutting-edge innovation, enterprise services and internationally recognised high-quality research in this region”.

Mr Patrick O Donovan TD: Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Former RTE Northern Editor, Tommie Gorman hosted the event which started with a discussion on integrated education and the border and moved on to concentrate on how to foster economic development in the North West. The keynote address was delivered by Mr Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec; Danny was previously a senior economist at both the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Central Bank of Ireland in Dublin.

 

Panel discussions featured leading enterprise representatives from the region and the development agencies from both sides of the border examining the opportunities available for the North West via coherent strategic collaboration. A very inspiring and thought-provoking conference was brought to a close with the leads from the four NWTEC partners setting out tertiary education priorities for the future North West.

   

 

 

 

 

“Hosting the Future North West Conference at Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry has been a privilege,” said Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice Chancellor of Ulster University. “We are delighted that the conference secured the interest of ministers from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, along with our friends from the North West Tertiary Education Cluster. Together, we are shaping the future of tertiary education on this island and prioritising the advancement of tertiary education in the North West. The collaborative spirit and shared vision evident here today has been very pleasing to witness.”

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Orla Flynn President of the Atlantic Technological University stated: “The conference was very stimulating, providing strong support for the North West Tertiary Education Cluster. Throughout the day we got many examples of tangible evidence of deep collaboration across the education partners, local government and the private sector. The conference offered a real vision for a connected future in which the North West can be a beacon for transformative collaboration.”Donegal Education and Training Board Chief Executive, Anne McHugh, noted the importance of this collaborative work: “One of our priorities is to play a leading role in forming local and regional partnerships that will improve educational, social and economic outcomes for Donegal. This collaboration with ATU, the North West Regional College and Ulster University, through the North West Tertiary Education Cluster, in terms of upskilling and reskilling, is strategically important for the future uplift of this cross border region.”

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College said he “Welcomed the NWTEC conference at Ulster University and that it provided an excellent platform to showcase the innovation and skills work taking place across the four institutions to help build this city region.”

 

 

 

 

 

On 4th December 2023 at the invitation of Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, Mr. Martin Fraser, an event was held in the Embassy of Ireland in London to showcase Ireland’s North West City Region as an innovative and attractive compelling destination to live, work, study, invest, explore and do business. Ireland’s North West City Region is a collaborative initiative between Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council. The event was also supported by North West Regional Development Group.

The objective of this event was to promote Ireland’s North West City Region in relation to trade and investment and to demonstrate the competitive advantages of doing business in the North West City Region. This was an opportunity to continue to develop a strong partnership between the North West City Region and the City of London and wider UK and to engage with the Irish diaspora in London, further expanding the region’s reach.

Cllr Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council was keen to showcase the city region to a London audience saying that “we are delighted to showcase our regional offer to important players in the London business and wider community today. The North West is ready for growth, and we have invested significant sums in infrastructure, networks and facilities to ensure we’re investor ready as a city region. The fact that so many high caliber businesses have now located in the region have invested here highlights the high quality of our investment proposition. On behalf of Donegal County Council, I would like to thank Ambassador Fraser for hosting our delegation at this wonderful event in the Embassy of Ireland.”

Cllr Patricia Logue, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council highlighted that place and proximity to talent has played a huge role in company success across the North West City Region, stating “We pride ourselves in our people and

the role our universities and colleges play in molding that talent. Combined with a superb quality of life, the North West City Region offers a work life balance that attracts and retains the best employees. With the Common Travel Area, an exceptional talent pool can be drawn across the region.  Living and working across two jurisdictions on a day-to-day basis. We have the right kind of infrastructure, logistics and proximity to London. This is a region of untapped potential. We are already providing important and valuable support to companies such as FinTrU who have grown and prospered in this region. We are ready to capitalise on our strengths to drive economic growth and foster innovation, for our mutual benefit. With our close proximity to London. And, and by sharing the only land border between the EU and UK. We are an ideal gateway location to both these markets”.

Chief Executive with Derry City and Strabane District Council John Kelpie said it was hugely important for the North West City Region to showcase its attributes and to engage directly with key stakeholders and influencers. “It is very important for us to strengthen our links with London and to do all we can to showcase out offerings to this audience. It’s an opportunity for us to develop strong international business links and build on the existing good work that is being done to develop our key industries, the emerging fintech cluster in our region and to collaborate on shared interests in innovation, education and climate action.”

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John McLaughlin stated that “Ireland’s North West City Region is an excellent location for investors as it straddles two jurisdictions which provides businesses, multi-nationals and entrepreneurs the benefits of having access to both the EU and UK markets. The North West City region has established strong political, economic, and cultural linkages with London and this event further strengthens these connections. ”

The event included a lively panel discussion focused on Ireland’s North West City Region, a gateway to global growth moderated by Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award 2023 recipient Caroline McLaughlin, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, UK. Panelists included Denis Curran, Head of Regions, Property and Enterprise Development at the IDA and Darragh McCarthy, CEO at FinTrU.

The event is also a fitting way to mark the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and to share success stories of how the region has evolved since from an economic development perspective.  It also highlighted the benefit to businesses of locating in this region which can provide seamless market access to both the EU and UK.

Leading blue chip and fast-growing businesses, along with public and private sector representatives and key influencers based in and around London attended the event as well as stakeholders from across the region to provide a holistic overview of the benefits of locating in Ireland’s North West City Region.

The North West City region has a varied talent pool including a workforce which is not just highly educated but innovative, creative and loyal with Centres of Excellence in Big Data & Analytics, Health & Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and the Blue Economy.

Ireland’s North West City region has a proven track record in hosting international companies such as PGIM, TCS, Seagate, DuPont, Allstate, Optum, Zeus, FinTrU, Abbot and Terex Corporation. These companies are already reaping the benefits and gaining competitive advantages provided by operating in the North West City Region. Talent is also driving investment decisions and the North West City Region provides a unique location for businesses seeking competitive advantage.

The event was also supported by stakeholders including the IDA Ireland, Invest NI, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Donegal ETB and the North West Regional College along with businesses operating in the region. The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, sharing insights and building relationships on a cross-border basis.

For more information visit: www.irelandnw.com

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.