Gaeilge
The official launch of the NW DEPTH initiative took place at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) campus in Letterkenny today (April 29th).
This project – supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – will be led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board via their well-established strategic collaboration, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC).
NW DEPTH will run for four years, with the first cohort of learners being recruited for September 2025, and will see an investment of nearly €10 million in digital skills in the North West region. An innovative portfolio of upskilling and reskilling training courses in digital and cybersecurity skills will be delivered to over 2,000 individuals.
The overall objective of NW DEPTH is to develop a learner-centred Digital Skills framework that encourages individuals to progress along flexible but structured learning pathways. This framework will support participants in advancing up the relevant qualification framework, helping them to re-enter, remain or progress in their roles within the North West digital workforce. Additionally, a digital strategy will be developed to complement other major investment plans, such as the Derry and Strabane City Deal, ensuring a vibrant future digital ecosystem of international significance.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said: “This is the first time that the EU PEACEPLUS has made a substantial allocation to addressing skills on a cross-border basis. Following my recent visit to Northern Ireland, it was clear that the appetite for institutions, North and South, to collaborate is huge. Harnessing the collective expertise and resources in key skills areas including digital is key to positioning people on this island to respond to the demands of re-skilling and upskilling.”
Addressing those attending the launch, Minister of State Marian Harkin TD added: “I have always been acutely aware of the unique economic and social context of the North West, particularly as the nature of employment and industry changed. The North West has now got a strong reputation in technology driven industry, including fintech. This project hub builds on this reputation, but importantly is intended to ensure that people living in the North West are skilled to get jobs in these industries. This will also strengthen regional balance.”
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “The NW DEPTH project will enable over 2,000 individuals to access targeted digital and cyber security training within the key regional area of the North West. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and focusing on this strategically important sector, the NW DEPTH project will play a vital role in reducing our skills gap and promoting regional balance.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved on the launch of the NW DEPTH project.
“The Area Based Regional Skills Development Investment Area of the PEACEPLUS programme will address skills gaps, which will in turn result in increased productivity and employment and higher levels of cross-border labour mobility.
“Economic development in post-conflict regions is vital in underpinning peace. Investment in the economy, providing support for SMEs, research, and innovation in specific areas of need are among the key focus areas for this theme of the PEACEPLUS Programme.
“The NW DEPTH project represents more than just investment in education — it is an investment in the long-term peace and prosperity of our communities. Through its focus on inclusive training, cross-border collaboration, and regional empowerment, NW DEPTH is helping to create a society in which individuals are not only better skilled but more connected — to opportunity, to each other, and to a shared future.”
PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
The NWTEC partners recognise the strong support that this investment signifies for the North West, as well as the responsibility it confers on NWTEC to deliver the project’s transformative potential.
The project’s focus on digital skills, which are critical to this region’s development, reflects a region-centred approach. By tailoring programmes to meet the specific upskilling and reskilling needs of both individuals and enterprises, the initiative demonstrates a commitment to addressing the diverse educational requirements of the North West City Region. This approach will raise awareness of the importance of digital and cybersecurity skills for the region’s future economic growth. Furthermore, this region-focused strategy ensures that education and training offerings are relevant, accessible, and impactful, promoting greater engagement and participation from stakeholders across this cross-border region.
Leveraging the established networks and connections of the partner institutions – which have strong ties with local communities, enterprises, and policymakers – will enable effective collaboration and outreach. This will facilitate the adoption of digital literacy programmes by community groups and the uptake of targeted skills training for individuals in employment seeking to upskill or reskill in digital and cybersecurity fields, ensuring the project’s impact extends across the entire region.
The launch event included an engaging panel discussion moderated by Mr Paul Hannigan ATU’s Vice President for Cross-border Engagement. Panellists included Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU; Professor Malachy O’ Neill, Director for Regional Engagement, Mr Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of the North West Regional College; and Ms Anne McHugh, Chief Executive of Donegal Education and Training Board.