Strategic Growth Partnership reflects on progress
24 October 2025
The Strategic Growth Partnership for Derry and Strabane convened its quarterly meeting today at the Everglades Hotel, bringing together key civic, business, education and community leaders to review progress and plan the next stages of the region’s strategic growth agenda.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to assess current economic trends, progress against the delivery outcomes of the Strategic Growth Plan, and priorities for 2025 and beyond.
A series of key reports were presented, including an update on the draft Statement of Progress for the Strategic Growth Plan for Derry and Strabane, eight years into its delivery. This is the fourth Statement of Progress in the process, reporting on achievements and challenges across the nine wellbeing outcomes - economic, social, and environmental - of the Strategic Growth Plan.
Key highlights of the report include the continued investment in the area, particularly through the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund and Local Economic Partnership funding. As well as the ongoing expansion of Ulster University’s Derry campus and the rise in apprenticeship opportunities locally. Tourism growth was also reported, as well as ongoing progress in enhancing local road, rail and air infrastructure and connectivity. Social improvements include a drop in crime, the launch of a dedicated age friendly strategy for the City and District.
According to the report a number of challenges continue to impact on progress, including the fact that the Claimant Count and Economic inactivity remain the highest in the North. The latest figures confirm that child poverty has risen locally, and health inequality is also a significant area of concern.
The partnership also heard the latest Economic Forecast for the City and District, delivered by Dr Myles Patton, Principal Economist, Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, as well as an update on the Plan for Neighbourhoods.
At the meeting the Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to driving sustainable economic development, enhancing neighbourhood planning, and ensuring that all communities across Derry and Strabane benefit from the ongoing implementation of the Strategic Growth Plan.
Speaking after the meeting, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said: “The Strategic Growth Partnership continues to play a vital role in shaping the long-term prosperity of our region. Today’s discussions highlighted both the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done as we move towards achieving our collective vision for 2025 and beyond. By working together across council, education, business, and community sectors we can deliver meaningful, inclusive growth that benefits every part of Derry and Strabane.”
You can find all the reports from today’s meeting and the draft Statement of Progress at growderrystrabane.com