Unionists express concern about future of Coleraine Campus of Ulster University
Unionists have expressed concern that the Coleraine campus of Ulster University could suffer badly in the wake of a major redundancy trawl and a promise by the Sinn Fein economy minister to priorities the Magee College of the University in Londonderry.
In April the university announced a trawl for voluntary redundancies. Last month Sinn Fein Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said “the expansion of Magee is an absolute priority for me and for Sinn Féin and will be delivered”.
A DUP delegation met with the University Chancellor on Friday, where East Londonderry MLA Alan Robinson said there was continuing anxiety about the future of the Coleraine campus.
Mr Robinson said: “There has been a slight increase in student numbers locally and this needs to be built upon not undermined. Staff and students deserve clarity and reassurance about the future direction of the university. The Sinn Fein Minister’s recent comment about ‘prioritising’ Magee was extremely unhelpful."
TUV leader Jim Allister also expressed his concern.
"We have seen eye-watering overspend on the Belfast campus and endless promotion of Magee, but the aged site at Coleraine seems only to qualify for neglect,” he said.
The university responded that the proposed redundancy scheme is voluntary so numbers are not yet confirmed.
“Ulster University remains committed to Coleraine and our multi campus model, there is no aspect of this announcement that changes that commitment,” it added.
It also said growth on the Coleraine campus has increased by over 200 students year on year and a series of new programmes and upgrades have taken place on the campus. It also said the Belfast project was delivered within budget.