Northern Ireland

Executive confirms funding for new Derry medical school

Funding for a graduate entry level medical school at Ulster University's Magee campus has been ringfenced by the executive. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Funding for a graduate entry level medical school at Ulster University's Magee campus has been ringfenced by the executive. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Funding for a graduate entry level medical school at Ulster University's Magee campus has been ringfenced by the executive. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

A MULTI-million pound funding package required to open a new medical school has now been agreed by ministers.

The executive has allocated £26 million in ringfenced capital money for the school at Ulster University's Magee campus in Derry.

It will also receive £9m per year in running costs.

The funding has raised hopes that the first intake of students could begin in September 2021.

Plans for a post-graduate entry level medical school in Derry were first put forward more than 15 years ago. However, the project has been plagued by delays since.

The final step in process of establishing the school will be accreditation from the General Medical Council whose decision is expected by the end of the summer.

The announcement of yesterday's financial package has been welcomed by all political parties.

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he hoped it would lead to confirmation that the new medical school would open in September next year.

"The people of this city have been denied better university provision for far too long. This was a priority for us when we decided to go back into the executive and I’m delighted we’ve been able to see progress.

“This is good news and we’ll work with all parties in the executive to meet the target for a September 2021 intake,” Mr Eastwood said.

He added that young people needed to be assured that all parties were working together to provide them with the opportunity to live, work and study at home.

“Our young people are our greatest strength. They shouldn’t be our largest export,” he said.

Sinn Féin assembly member Karen Mullan said the development was good news for Derry.

“This will allow the university to press ahead and recruit staff and students for the proposed opening date of September 2021. It will also enable Ulster University to move to the next stage of the General Medical Council process with their visit to the Magee campus later this month,” Ms Mullan said.

DUP assembly member Gary Middleton said all parties had worked together to move the project forward.

“It will be good for the north west but also for the health service,” Mr Middleton said.