拢100m Investment announced for Causeway Coast and Glens
UK Government and NI Executive Ministers gathered at Ulster University Coleraine to sign the Heads of Terms for the Causeway Coast and Glens Council

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is proud to announce a landmark agreement that will see some 拢100m invested in the Borough over the next 10 years.
With anticipated Growth Deal funding of 拢36m from UK Government and the same from the NI Executive, alongside other partner contributions, this deal is set to shape the future trajectory of the region.聽
The formal signing of the Growth Deal, Heads of Terms agreement, represents a significant milestone in advancing the economy of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.聽
The official launch took place at Ulster University鈥檚 Coleraine Campus this morning and brought together influential leaders, dignitaries, and stakeholders to celebrate collaborative efforts towards sustainable growth and development. Notable attendees included the First Minister, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Finance Minister underscoring the importance of this moment for our community.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Steven Callaghan聽noted the importance of the investment for the future prosperity of the Borough and its citizens.聽聽
He stated:
鈥淭oday鈥檚 event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort which began all the way back in 2019.聽 Many institutions and individuals have contributed towards the development of a package of projects which represents the single largest Government investment in the Causeway Coast and Glens region.聽
鈥淭his Growth Deal also demonstrates Council鈥檚 commitment to collaborative working. Through a programme of regeneration, we aim to transform our tourism offering and address some of our infrastructural challenges. Our Deal鈥檚 innovative projects will bring new industry to our Borough, providing high-skilled, high-paid employment opportunities for our young people.聽聽
鈥淭his is just the beginning of our journey, and I would like to personally thank all of our delivery and funding partners for helping us get to this stage.鈥�
Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland聽said he was honoured to sign the Heads of Terms document, adding:
鈥淭his Deal has the potential to provide further economic benefit, innovation and more employment for this fantastic region. I hope it can take us one step further to Northern Ireland being the best place in the world to invest.
鈥淭he UK Government is committed to ensuring this area thrives, which is why we are investing 拢36 million to support projects which build on the region鈥檚 digital and innovation capabilities.
鈥淭his will see projects such as the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery at Ulster University in Coleraine, the Business Innovation and Incubation Hub at Atlantic Link and the Innovation Hub at North West Regional College all benefit from this investment and bring exciting economic opportunities to the region and Northern Ireland as a whole.鈥�
First Minister, Michelle O鈥橬eill MLA聽said it was a great opportunity to showcase the City and Growth Deals initiative.
She added: 鈥淭his is one of four deals covering the whole of the north with 拢1.3 billion capital investment over the next 10-20 years. Our four City and Growth Deals have the potential to increase the number of good jobs, promote regional balance and raise productivity which is the driver of improving living standards.
鈥淭he deals are helping to create a more dynamic and competitive economy here. Importantly, the deals will have a positive impact on the quality of life for so many including our young people, our businesses, and the many visitors who flock to the Causeway Coast and Glens.鈥�
Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly聽MLA reaffirmed the Executive鈥檚 support for the City and Growth Deals initiative.
She said: 鈥淭he projects that will be delivered through this deal will help improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities and upskill the local labour force.聽
鈥淭he increase in key transport links will also attract more visitors to this beautiful area, creating even more opportunities for economic activity and further positioning Causeway Coast and Glens as a 鈥榞o to鈥� area for business and tourism.
鈥淭his multi-million pound investment is a great example of government, business and academia working together to tackle issues and make a real difference.鈥�
Minister of Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA聽described the signing of the Heads of Terms document as 鈥渁 significant milestone鈥�, adding:
鈥淕rowing up in Coleraine, and now calling the area home, I know the positive impact this funding will have. The substantial injection of 拢100million into the Causeway Coast and Glens region is a game-changer for the area.聽
鈥淭he exciting and transformative projects that make up the Growth Deal will shape infrastructure, create job opportunities and further increase the skills base. The Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal will produce a legacy for generations to come from Cushendall in the east right across the Borough to Dungiven in the west, the benefits will be felt right across the region.鈥�
Today鈥檚 momentous gathering at Ulster University鈥檚 Coleraine Campus provided a platform for those attending to hear how our region will be transformed by this investment and highlighted the collective vision for a vibrant and prosperous Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.聽
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, contribute to discussions shaping the region鈥檚 future, and witness firsthand the signing of this historic agreement.
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University聽said: 鈥淭he Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal represents an opportunity for transformation for聽the Coleraine and North Coast area. It is a tremendous opportunity for us all to take the next step, driving forward the innovative ideas that will deliver economic growth for this incredible region. As a strategic partner, we are delighted to host this important event at Ulster University Coleraine, marking this important milestone in the Growth Deal process.
鈥淯lster University will work collaboratively with the Council and other stakeholders to deliver innovation projects and continue to develop a pipeline of talented and innovative graduates, both of which will play a significant role in the development of this region.鈥�
Notes to Editors
Click below for the full Heads of Terms document which sets out further details of the projects being proposed. All projects will be subject to the approval of final business cases.