Northern Ireland

Diane Dodds warns work still needed on Derry medical school

Economy minister Diane Dodds has warned that "significant work" is needed for the planned Magee Medical School to open in September 2021.
Economy minister Diane Dodds has warned that "significant work" is needed for the planned Magee Medical School to open in September 2021. Economy minister Diane Dodds has warned that "significant work" is needed for the planned Magee Medical School to open in September 2021.

A Derry assembly member has called for supporters of the Magee medical school to renew determination to get the project “over the line”.

Sinead McLaughlin was speaking after economy minister Diane Dodds warned that “significant work” was needed to have it ready next year.

On Monday Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill announced that the first intake of 70 students at the post graduate medical school would be in September 2021.

The news followed years of campaigning for the establishment of the school at Ulster University’s Magee campus.

Ms O’Neill said: “This is a hugely important investment decision for the north west and it adds to the Executive’s recent announcement on the Derry and Strabane City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund.”

While Mrs Dodds – whose department oversees third level education – welcomed the announcement, she told the Stormont economy committee that work still needed to be done.

“There is a significant amount of work to do in relation to the issues around capacity of Ulster University and the financial position of Ulster University... But we have set ourselves on a pathway and we are working quite hard on that,” she said.

Ms McLaughlin, who is a member of the assembly's economy committee, said the comments indicated that her party was right to be cautious in its welcome for Monday’s statement.

“We are very pleased at the progress that has been made but it is not over the line yet so it is too early to celebrate."

The SDLP assembly member said complacency about the project would be dangerous.

“It still needs a further push and all the partners to work together to provide the additional information and reassurance that is required,” she said.