A major £129 million Growth Deal for the Causeway Coast and Glens was formally signed today, Wednesday 29 April 2026, at the North West Regional College (NWRC) in Limavady. The signing of the Financial Agreement marks the most critical milestone in the process to date, securing the full funding package and allowing investment to flow into a suite of high-impact projects across the Borough.

The multi-million-pound investment is comprised of:

• £36 million from the UK Government.

• £36 million from the Northern Ireland Executive.

• £57 million from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and its delivery partners.

The deal aims to tackle regional challenges such as seasonal employment and below-average wages by boosting productivity and creating sustainable, long-term opportunities for residents and businesses.

Phase One: Immediate Priorities

With 66% of the total investment allocated to Phase One, several key projects are now moving toward delivery:

Centre for Food and Drug Discovery (Ulster University, Coleraine): A leading-edge hub designed to collaborate with industry from concept to commercialisation, positioning the region as a global leader in life sciences.

Foodovation & Skills Centre (NWRC, Limavady): A major refurbishment that is expected to create 75 new food sector jobs and train over 400 individuals annually.

Coleraine Leisure & Wellbeing Centre: A flagship facility aimed at improving public health and community cohesion.

Dungiven Town Centre Regeneration: A major programme to revitalise the town's core and support local commerce.

Phase Two: Future Ambitions While Phase One begins on the ground, business cases are being developed for five Phase Two proposals over the next 12 months:

• Bushmills Regeneration and a Cushendall Innovation Centre.

• Business Innovation & Incubation Hub.

• Portrush to Giant's Causeway Greenway.

• Connected Causeway Traffic and Parking Project.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, described the deal as a "major step forward," stating: "It is not simply an investment in infrastructure; it is about investing in our people and the places we call home. It is a real opportunity to create jobs, improve skills, and bring new life into our towns and villages."

First Minister Michelle O'Neill highlighted the importance of regional balance: "The Executive is proud to be investing £36 million to drive forward projects that will create good jobs and strengthen local communities. This Deal is an important step in building a stronger, more balanced economy."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly noted the shift from "planning to delivery," adding that the investment will revitalise town centres and create more opportunities for people to live and work locally.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP reaffirmed the UK Government's commitment to regional growth, noting that the funding will specifically bolster digital and innovation projects that benefit the entire community.

Finance Minister John O'Dowd MLA and NWRC Principal Leo Murphy both emphasised the deal's role in economic recovery, with Mr Murphy noting that the Limavady Foodovation centre alone will deliver 140 innovation projects annually.