The investment needs of the north west will be explored at a conference in Derry marking the 55th anniversary of the October 5 1968 civil rights’ march, seen by many as the start of the Troubles.
The John and Pat Hume Foundation has teamed up with the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) to discuss the socioeconomic, infrastructure and investment policies needed to address underdevelopment in the region.
Organised by activists, Eamon McCann, Eamonn Melaugh and the late Fionbarra O Dochartaigh, the October 5 march was banned by the Stormont government. When it went ahead, marchers, including three British Labour MPs, were baton-charged off the streets by the RUC.
Pictures captured by RTE were shown around the world provoking fury and leading to widespread nationalist dissent throughout the north.
The John and Pat Hume Foundation was established to nurture and develop the legacy of Nobel laureate, Mr Hume and his late wife, Pat.
“Time to Strengthen the Regional Impact of Greater North West” will be held at Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry next Thursday, October 5 (from 10am to 4pm).
Speakers will include Professor Gerry McKenna, chairman of the North South standing committee of the RIA and economist, John Daly among others. It will also be addressed by representatives of Leipzig on the German city’s economic transformation over the past 25 years.
Read more:
- Civil rights pioneer Fionnbarra O Dochartaigh remained a 'rebel' throughout his life
- Leading economist warns Magee expansion vital for north west economy
Hume Foundation secretary, Tim Attwood said the conference would l examine inequalities and imbalance in the “Greater North West”.
“It will also explore possibilities for cross-border planning and coordination to enable the great North West region to fulfil its potential and not remain an outlier in terms of economic performance in Northern Ireland and Ireland,” Mr Attwood said.
Anyone wishing to register for the conference can do so at: Time to Strengthen the Regional Impact of Greater North-West Tickets, Thu 5 Oct 2023 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
