4114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to date in the provision of new facilities at Magee College, Derry following the allocation of Shared Island Funding and the expected timeline for the completion of this project. [64055/26]

The Ulster University’s Teaching Block and Student Centre at the Magee campus is a key commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement and forms an important part of the Government's Shared Island investment programme. The project represents a substantial investment of €44.5m in Derry and will support the planned expansion of student numbers at the Magee campus towards the target of 10,000 students.

Significant progress has been made on the project to date. I am pleased to report that planning permission for the Teaching Block and Student Centre was granted in July 2026, representing a major milestone in the development process.

Officials in my Department, in conjunction with Ulster University, are currently finalising the remaining elements of a Memorandum of Understanding and Financial Agreement for the project. Subject to the completion of these arrangements, construction is expected to commence before the end of 2026, with the new facilities scheduled to open to students during the 2028/29 academic year.

The Government remains committed to supporting the continued development of the Magee campus, recognising its strategic importance to educational, economic and regional development in the North-West and to strengthening cross-border cooperation through the Shared Island initiative.