Ireland's North-West City Region has its home in one of the most beautiful locations on the precipice of Europe, in a place that has inspired innovators and creators for centuries. The city's region is unique in many ways, not least as one that straddles two jurisdictions offering easy access to both the EU and UK markets. Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and Derry/Strabane in Northern Ireland make up a city region comprising over 350,000 people, boasting a highly skilled workforce with a diverse and growing range of large multinationals who call the region home. With over a third of its population under the age of 25, it is one of the most youthful city-regions in the European Union.
A Local Green Deal (LGD) has been established in 2020 encompassing the City-region, the North -West Regional Energy Strategy (NWRES). Derry City & Strabane District Council (DCSDC) along with Donegal County Council (DCC) have joined forces to build a sustainable and low carbon region which can encourage further economic growth whilst reducing the carbon emissions arising from the use of energy within the Region.
The region previously took part in the STARDUST programme; Digital Cities Challenge and Intelligent Cities Challenge 2020-2022 and is looking to build upon this. We experienced excellent collaboration with other cities and gained ideas, inspiration, and impetus on areas such as I4.0 skillsets, platforms for upskilling pathways, and a fun STEM centre to inspire youth. The region hopes to gain similar benefits from participating once again.
