NWCCI Chairman, Niall Birthistle has enthusiastically welcomed the announcement of £10 million in financial assistance for City of Derry airport.

"This cross border region is in the unique position of having been identified simultaneously by both jurisdictions as a key growth pole and this investment package will move us one step closer to achieving the regions full potential", Niall commented.

He continued, "This investment measure is vital for the long term economic growth and sustainability of the North West Region. Our members in Derry, Letterkenny, Gweedore, Strabane, Coleraine and Limavady have time and again supported the developments at the airport, and NW Chambers has consistently lobbied both governments for a co-ordinated approach to addressing the infrastructural deficits that continue to hamper development in this region." Mr Birthistle continued "I am greatly encouraged by the cross border approach to this funding package. NWCCI would strongly recommend that a similar joined-up approach be taken when dealing with other areas of economic importance to the North West Region such as Tourism, Energy and Telecoms."

Northern Ireland Regional Development Minister John Spellar and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern jointly this week announced the two governments' decision in principle to provide the aid.

NWCCI Board Member and current President of the Chamber of Commerce in Derry, Richard Sterling added, "This is an important announcement for this City and the Region. The case for this airport was well argued and was driven by a hard business edge. That is the difference. I believe that we have collectively repositioned our lobbying within the NW and we are now seeing results."

NWCCI, hosted by the Chamber in Derry, is an umbrella organization which represents 6 Chambers of Commerce, namely Coleraine Borough, Roe Valley, Londonderry, Strabane, Letterkenny and Gweedore. Collectively this body lobbies on key economic issues vital to the entire North West Region of the Island.