Finance Minister John O'Dowd and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald have visited the North Coast to view progress on key projects supported by the £110 million Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal.

The Ministers toured Ulster University in Coleraine and North West Regional College (NWRC) in Limavady, where two of the Growth Deal's major initiatives, the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery and the Foodovation™ and Skills Centre, are being developed.

Minister O'Dowd described the investment as a step towards improving regional skills and supporting business development. He said the Centre at Ulster University would expand research capacity and strengthen industry collaboration, while the Foodovation™ and Skills Centre in Limavady would help ensure the food sector has access to a skilled workforce.

"I have no doubt these projects will assist in local economic growth, creating better opportunities for everyone," Minister O'Dowd said. Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at Ulster University, highlighted that the £22 million investment in the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery would expand research capacity in Coleraine and support industry collaboration in life sciences and public health.

Meanwhile, Minister Archibald noted that the projects align with departmental priorities, particularly in innovation-led sectors. She said the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery would provide expertise and platforms to support work across human and animal health, while the NWRC facility would assist food and drink businesses with skills development and technical support.

"These are just two of the projects proposed as part of a wider programme that will deliver real economic benefits for this region and our wider economy," Minister Archibald added.

NWRC Chief Executive Leo Murphy said the Limavady centre would build on existing work at the college's Strand Road campus in L'Derry and enable the development of new courses in partnership with the food and drink industry.